Italian Sandwich Cookies Are Perfect for Holidays and Celebrations

You know, Italian sandwich cookies are so much more than just a tasty treat. They actually tell a story about Italy’s rich culinary past and the country’s love for quality, simple ingredients. These cookies, which just melt in your mouth, are typically filled with things like jam, chocolate, or sweetened ricotta. They come from all over Italy, with each region adding its own twist to this delightful idea of a filled dessert.

The whole idea of squishing flavorful fillings between two buttery cookies probably came from traditional European pastries and biscuits. Back in the Renaissance, when stuff like fruit preserves, nut pastes, and sweet creams were easier to get, you started seeing filled cookies and confections popping up in Italian kitchens. Places like Tuscany and Sicily created their own versions, some stuffed with dark chocolate or hazelnut spreads, while others went for that creamy ricotta for an extra rich bite.

Then, zooming into the 20th century, Italian sandwich cookies got a fresh makeover in Italian American bakeries, especially in spots like New York, New Jersey, and other East Coast locales. These cookies—now iconic, made from piped butter cookie dough, layered with raspberry or apricot jam, and dipped in chocolate with those fun colorful sprinkles—became a must-have on holiday trays and at family gatherings.

Fast forward to now, and Italian sandwich cookies are still a favorite dessert, not just in Italy but around the globe. Whether you’re having them with a cup of espresso or showing them off on a festive cookie platter, they bring that perfect mix of buttery, crumbly goodness with a rich, sweet filling. Honestly, they’re a true celebration of Italian baking traditions!

Now, these timeless cookies are enjoyed in kitchens around the globe and continue to impress with their buttery texture, vibrant fillings, and irresistible flavor.

Italian sandwich cookies have earned their spot as a go-to dessert for holidays, parties, and special occasions—and for good reason. Not only are they beautiful on any cookie platter, but they’re also fun and simple to make, making them a favorite for baking with family or friends.
These elegant cookies feature thin, buttery layers that hug a delicious filling of your choice. From classic raspberry jam and rich chocolate ganache to smooth hazelnut cream or even lemon curd, the flavor combinations are nearly endless. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or getting creative, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and sweet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time & Assembly 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian – American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but traditional)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Assembly
  • ¾ cup raspberry jam (or apricot jam, strained if chunky)
  • cup 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, for dipping (optional)
  • Rainbow sprinkles, chopped nuts, or coconut (optional, for decorating)

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Make the dough:
    Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
    Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
    Dough will be soft. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (e.g., Wilton 1M) or roll into a log if cutting instead.
  3. Chill the dough:
    Pipe or shape the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Chill the tray for 30 minutes in the fridge (to help retain their shape).
  4. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
    Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Assemble:
    Spread jam on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
    If desired, dip one end in melted chocolate, then coat with sprinkles or nuts.
  6. Let set:
    Allow the cookies to rest until the chocolate firms up (speed it up in the fridge if needed).

Notes

Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a smooth dough.
If piping: The dough should be soft but not runny. If it’s too firm to pipe, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
If rolling/cutting instead of piping, chill dough in a disk shape, then roll out to ¼ inch thick and use a small round or fluted cutter.
Chilling: Chilling is key to preventing spreading, especially for piped cookies. Always chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
You can also pipe them ahead of time and freeze the unbaked cookies. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Baking: Don’t overbake! These cookies should be light in color with just a touch of golden brown at the edges.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid overbrowning on the bottom.
Filling: Use a thick jam so it doesn’t ooze out of the sides. Strain any large chunks if using fruit preserves. For extra flavor, warm the jam slightly before spreading – it makes for easier assembly.
Chocolate Dipping: Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave (15–20 seconds at a time).
Add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to melted chocolate for a smoother finish and faster setting.
Decorating: Decorate while the chocolate is still wet so sprinkles, chopped nuts, or coconut stick well.
Variations of Italian Sandwich Cookies

One of the best things about Italian sandwich cookies is their versatility. Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavor, add a twist, or experiment with fillings, there are endless variations to explore. Here are some fun and tasty ideas to elevate your cookie game:

Chocolate Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies
Swap your traditional jam filling for chocolate hazelnut spread (think Nutella!). The rich, creamy chocolate and nut flavor pair perfectly with the buttery cookie base for a truly indulgent treat.

2Lemon Ricotta Sandwich Cookies
For a lighter, tangy twist, try filling your cookies with a smooth lemon ricotta cream. The zesty lemon complements the soft, crumbly cookies, creating a refreshing, Italian-inspired flavor.

Raspberry or Apricot Jam
Keep it classic with the beloved raspberry or apricot jam. The tart fruit filling adds the perfect balance to the sweet, buttery cookies, and the vibrant color makes them a feast for the eyes, too!

Espresso and Chocolate Dipped Cookies
For coffee lovers, an espresso-flavored filling combined with a chocolate-dipped cookie offers a sophisticated flavor profile. The deep, rich coffee taste pairs beautifully with the buttery texture and sweet chocolate.

Almond and Cherry Jam
Give your cookies an Italian twist with a filling of cherry jam and almond cream. The almond adds a delightful nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweet cherry, bringing out a true Mediterranean vibe.

Coconut and Lime Filling
For a tropical touch, use a coconut cream filling and a hint of lime zest. This variation offers a unique, refreshing flavor that’s a bit unexpected but totally delicious.

Peanut Butter and Jelly
If you’re craving something a little more familiar, try filling your sandwich cookies with peanut butter and classic fruit jam, like strawberry or grape. It’s a sweet and salty combo that’s always a hit.

Toppings

Toppings are the final flourish that takes your Italian sandwich cookies from delicious to extraordinary! Whether you’re looking for a festive touch or a new texture contrast, these toppings will elevate your cookies and make them even more irresistible.

Chocolate Drizzle
A simple chocolate drizzle adds a glossy, elegant finish to your cookies. Melt dark or white chocolate, then drizzle over the tops for a decadent, professional touch. Perfect for holidays or special occasions!

    Sprinkles
    Rainbow sprinkles, nonpareils, or crushed colored sugar are always a hit, especially for celebrations or festive events. These add a burst of color and a slight crunch to complement the smooth, buttery filling.

      Chopped Nuts
      Give your cookies a bit of crunch with chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, or even pecans. These nuts add flavor, texture, and a nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with sweet fillings like chocolate or jam.

      Coconut Flakes
      For a tropical vibe, roll the edges of your cookies in shredded coconut. It adds both texture and a slight sweetness that pairs wonderfully with fillings like chocolate, caramel, or fruit jams.

          Powdered Sugar Dusting
          For a simple, classic look, dust your cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar. This creates a beautiful contrast against darker fillings like chocolate or jam, and adds a delicate sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.

            Sea Salt
            For a sweet-and-salty twist, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the chocolate-dipped edges of your cookies. This enhances the chocolate and balances out the sweetness of the jam or cream filling.

              Storage

              One of the best things about Italian sandwich cookies, aside from how amazing they taste is how well they store. Whether you’re baking ahead for the holidays or saving leftovers from a celebration, these cookies hold up beautifully with the right storage method.

              Room Temperature

              Store fully assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

              Keep layers separated with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking or smudging.

              Refrigerator (for Cream-Filled Cookies)

              If your cookies are filled with cream cheese, ricotta, or other perishable fillings, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, layered with parchment, and consume within 3–4 days.

              Freezer (Best for Make-Ahead!)

              Italian sandwich cookies are freezer-friendly! You can freeze, Unfilled cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw and fill when ready to serve.

              Fully assembled cookies (without fresh dairy fillings) for up to 1 month.

              Wrap in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

              Tip: If you’re dipping cookies in chocolate, allow the chocolate to fully set before storing or stacking to avoid smearing.