Ready to give your usual cookie tray a glow-up? These Christmas cookie recipes will bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your holiday table.
Across the Mediterranean, every region has its own version of the Christmas cookie. There are honey-soaked Greek treats, crunchy Italian pine nut bites, chewy Middle Eastern date cookies, and beyond.
Most have been passed down for centuries–made with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment, and several are naturally gluten and dairy-free.
All are a symbol of that Mediterranean hospitality I’m always talking about–the talent for welcoming guests with a tray of food and a drink in hand!
If you’re looking to add something unique to your holiday cookie plate or discover a new family favorite, these Mediterranean Christmas cookies are a great place to start!
Andalusian Alfajores
You don’t even need to turn on your oven to make these honey-and-nut spiced cookies from southern Spain! Common in Spanish Christmas markets, these treats are gluten-free and pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Macarons
Impress everyone at your Christmas party with these elegant, naturally gluten-free French cookies! They require some technique, but the reward is absolutely worth it. This guide from Mark Beahm, a professional baker with thousands of macarons under his belt, will teach you how to make the perfect macarons every time.
Cannoli
I will admit that cannoli is technically not a cookie, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your Christmas cookie table. Trust me: no one will be mad about it! If you’d like to go the extra mile, make the ricotta from scratch and serve it with Italian hot chocolate. YUM!
Ricciarelli
From the Tuscan city of Siena, these naturally gluten-free and dairy-free almond cookies are delightfully chewy with irresistible notes of lemon zest and vanilla. They taste even better on day two, making them perfect for getting ahead of the holiday season.
Pignoli
These classic Sicilian cookies are made with almond paste and pine nuts for a totally addictive texture–soft, chewy, yet crunchy all at the same time! They’re naturally gluten-free and come together with just 5 ingredients.
Baci Di Dama
From Piedmont, Italy, these hazelnut cookies are crisp, nutty, and filled with dark chocolate. Naturally gluten-free and quick to make, these bite-sized beauties are just the thing your holiday cookie exchange needed.
Maamoul
If you’re looking for a real showstopper, these Lebanese maamoul cookies never disappoint! A buttery shortbread dough is wrapped around sweet date filling, then pressed into a gorgeous pattern that always feels festive. I love them with a steaming pot of Arabic tea with fresh mint.
Pizzicati
Pizzicati are tender Italian shortbread cookies filled with jam and gently pinched in the center. They’re not overly sweet, beautifully simple, and a lovely addition to any cookie spread!
Melomakarona
These soft, Greek honey-soaked cookies are scented with orange and cinnamon and sprinkled with crushed walnuts. Incredible! Plus, this easy recipe makes about 60 small cookies that keep beautifully. It’s perfect for holiday drop-ins and homemade gifts.
Kourabiedes (Almond Crescent Cookies)
Kourabiedes are melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies traditionally made for Greek celebrations. Rich, crumbly, and finished with plenty of powdered sugar, they’ll look very festive on your cookie tray!
Egyptian Ghorayebah
You only need 3 ingredients to make these beloved cookies from my childhood! You’ll end up with 35 little Christmas cookies that are perfect for welcoming guests or as homemade gifts.
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Italian Apple Olive Oil Cake (w/ Video)
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Three Sweet Spreads from Sicily
Indulge with this artisanal trio of premium nut creams, handcrafted in small batches using locally grown ingredients and free from artificial additives.
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