Welcome to this collection of delicious Italian and various holiday recipes for your sweets and treats. Where festive flavors and cherished traditions come together to celebrate the most special times of the year. From crispy Struffoli and fragrant Cavallucci to soft Panettone and nutty Cuccidati. These holiday recipes capture the warmth, and indulgence of Italy’s holiday season. These recipes come rooted in family customs and regional specialties. Each sweet treat is a reflection of the Italian spirit of togetherness and celebration. Whether you’re continuing a tradition or starting a new one, these holiday desserts will bring a touch of authentic Italian magic to your table.
Uncinetti Easter Cookies
Uncinetti, also known as Italian Easter cookies, are a beloved treat rooted in Southern Italian tradition, especially in regions like Calabria and Sicily. These soft, cake-like cookies are traditionally made to celebrate Easter, symbolizing renewal and family unity. Passed down through generations, Uncinetti are often flavored with lemon or anise and topped with a simple sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles—an…
Read More
Speculaas
Speculaas (also spelled Speculoos in Belgium) is a spiced shortcrust biscuit that originated in the Low Countries, specifically the Netherlands and Belgium. Its roots are shared between these two nations, and the exact “origin” can be attributed to the broader cultural and culinary traditions of the Dutch-speaking regions of Northwestern Europe during the 17th century, when the Dutch East India…
Read More
Kourabiedes Greek Almond Cookie
There’s something magical about the first bite of a powdered sugar-dusted Kourabie. The rich buttery crumble, the subtle almond crunch, and the sweet cloud of confectioner’s sugar. These classic Greek cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of celebration, tradition, and history that spans centuries. In Greek homes, Kourabiedes are a symbol of joy, prosperity, and celebration….
Read More
Polvorones de Nuez
Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones de Nuez, have roots in Spanish baking traditions brought to Mexico during colonial times. Originally inspired by Spanish polvorones, these crumbly shortbread cookies influenced by Moorish cuisine. Adapted in Mexico with the use of native pecans. Despite the name, “Mexican Wedding Cookies”, they became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century….
Read More
German Lebkuchen
The traditional German Christmas treats, few are as beloved—or as rich in history—as Lebkuchen. These spiced cookies trace their origins back to 13th-century Franconia, particularly the city of Nuremberg, where monks first began baking them in monasteries. Thanks to the city’s location along important spice trade routes and its abundance of local honey from nearby forests, Nuremberg became the heart…
Read More
Italian Wedding Cookies
Italian Wedding Cookies have deep roots in traditional Italian and Mediterranean baking. Whether called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these are a must have. Italian Wedding Cookies come served at weddings, holidays, and special celebrations, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity. These buttery, nut-filled cookies likely originated from Southern Italy, where almonds and walnuts are common in desserts. Over time,…
Read More
Roccoco cookie
The Roccoco cookie (Roccocò) is a traditional Neapolitan Christmas treat that dates back to the 14th century, believed to have been created by the nuns of the Real Convento della Maddalena in Naples. The name “Roccocò” is thought to derive from the French word rocaille, meaning “rock” or “shell,” referencing the cookie’s hard, rounded shape and ornate, shell-like texture. Made…
Read More
Panettone
Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas cake with deep roots in Milanese tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages. Its origins are surrounded by legend, with one of the most popular stories attributing its creation to a Milanese baker named Toni, whose apprentice supposedly invented the sweet bread by accident—hence the name “pan di Toni,” or “Toni’s bread.” Historically, panettone…
Read More
Cavallucci di Siena
Cavallucci di Siena are traditional Tuscan cookies with a long and storied history, originating in the medieval city of Siena. Their name, cavallucci, meaning “little horses,” is believed to derive from their popularity among travelers and stable workers during the Renaissance, or possibly from the cookies being served at inns where horses and riders would rest. Dating back to at…
Read More
Cuccidati Fig cookies
Cuccidati, also known as Italian fig cookies, have their origins in Sicily and are deeply rooted in the island’s rich culinary and cultural history. These traditional pastries date back to the Arab rule of Sicily between the 9th and 11th centuries, when the introduction of figs, nuts, spices, and dried fruits greatly influenced local baking. Cuccidati are typically made with…
Read More