Italian Horn Cookies, also known as Cornetti Italiani, are delicate crescent-shaped treats that combine a buttery dough with a sweet, nutty filling. These cookies are especially popular during the holidays and are often dusted with powdered sugar for a festive finish. They’re crisp on the outside, tender inside, and beautifully flavored with almonds, vanilla, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
2½ cups all-purpose flour
-
½ teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ teaspoon almond extract
For the Filling:
-
1½ cups finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
-
½ cup sugar
-
1 egg white
-
½ teaspoon almond extract
-
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
For Finishing:
-
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Cooking Time
-
Prep time: 25 minutes
-
Chill time: 30 minutes
-
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
-
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving
-
Makes about 24 cookies
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. -
Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, egg white, almond extract, and citrus zest. Stir until you have a thick paste. -
Shape the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place a small spoonful of almond filling in the center of each circle. Roll one side over the filling to form a horn or crescent shape, sealing the edges gently. -
Bake:
Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until light golden at the edges. -
Cool and Finish:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack. When fully cool, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Nutrition (per cookie)
-
Calories: 140
-
Fat: 8g
-
Carbohydrates: 15g
-
Protein: 3g
-
Sugar: 8g
Tips
-
For a smoother filling, pulse all filling ingredients together in a food processor.
-
Don’t overfill the cookies — a small spoonful is enough to keep them from splitting while baking.
-
You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra flavor.
-
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer freshness.
Buttery, nutty, and delicately sweet, Italian Horn Cookies are a beautiful addition to any cookie tray — especially during the holidays when traditions and flavor come together in every bite.
