Some people on your list don't need another sweater. They need a little piece of Italy: the smell of almonds and butter, a cookie that tastes like a nonna's kitchen, a box that makes them say "this is the real thing."
This guide is for them. Every gift below comes from L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo, where Dolci Aveja has been making traditional Italian sweets since 1977.
Why Italian cookies make the perfect gift
A good food gift is personal without being complicated. Authentic Italian cookies are easy to share, beautiful to open and full of meaning, especially for families with Italian roots. They also travel well: Dolci Aveja's sweets are made in small batches with carefully selected ingredients, and our Pasticceria and amaretti come individually wrapped.
And unlike many "Italian-style" cookies on supermarket shelves, these are the same recipes Italians enjoy at home, made in Italy and shipped across the United States.
For the butter cookie lover
The Pasticceria Assorted Butter Cookies box is our most-loved gift. Five classic Italian bakery varieties in one box: Occhio di Bue with plum jam, Ostrica topped with a cherry jelly, the cocoa Chocofroll, the apricot Crostatina and the Rigato dipped in dark chocolate. It is the kind of assortment you would find on a tray at an Italian wedding.
For the almond lover (and gluten-free friends)
Our soft amaretti are made in the L'Aquila style: soft and chewy in the center with a thin golden crust, using Italian almonds and hazelnuts, egg whites and sugar. They are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a thoughtful choice when you are not sure about everyone's diet. For a smaller gift or stocking stuffer, the Amaretti Duo pairs one almond and one hazelnut amaretto.
For the coffee ritual
Some cookies are made to be dipped. Tozzetti alle mandorle, the Abruzzo cousin of Tuscan cantucci, are crunchy almond biscotti perfect with espresso, tea or a glass of dessert wine. Pair them with ferratelle, the traditional Abruzzo waffle cookie, and you have an Italian breakfast in a box.
For the holidays: torrone from L'Aquila
In Italy, Christmas is not Christmas without torrone. Dolci Aveja's chocolate soft nougat is a true L'Aquila specialty, torrone tenero al cioccolato aquilano, a tradition in the city since the 19th century. It is seasonal and made in limited batches, so it is a gift worth planning ahead for.
A gift from Italy doesn't need to be big. It needs to be real.
The easiest choice: a ready-made gift box
If you would rather not choose, our Italian cookie gift boxes bring several specialties together in one beautiful package. The Best Italian Gift box is a generous selection of five Italian sweets, made to be opened at the table and shared.
Gifts for clients and teams
Sending gifts to clients, employees or partners this year? We prepare corporate gift boxes with gift wrapping, a personalized note with your logo, and shipping to each recipient or to your office. Learn more on our corporate gifts page.
A few tips for sending Italian cookies as a gift
- Order early. Holiday shipping gets busy, and seasonal items like torrone are limited.
- Think about the table. Assortments are perfect for families and gatherings; duos are lovely for one person.
- Add a story. Tell them where the cookies come from. A gift from L'Aquila means more when they know the tradition behind it.
Explore all our authentic Italian cookies and find the right gift for every Italy lover on your list.
Dolci Aveja · L'Aquila 1977
Pasticceria Assorted Butter Cookies
🎁 Limited offer: add 2 boxes to your cart and a Pasticceria Duo will be added for FREE. While supplies last. Enjoy...
