The Best Cookies from Around the World

Scottish Shortbread

My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

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Take a look at our favorite chocolate desserts from around the world.

Whipped Cream Krumkake

Norway
Our hometown has a rich Norweg/an culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here’s your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa

Up next: Our best Christmas cookies from around the world.

Italian Sprinkle Cookies

Italy
These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian-American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York

These doughnut recipes from around the world are the best part of getting up.

Pizzelle Cookies

Making an anise-scented pizzelle cookies recipe is a rite of passage in many Italian families. The light, crisp and tender cookie with the snowflake design is perfect for holidays, but they're great with a cup of hot chocolate any time of year.

Cuccidati

Italy
The compliments are well worth making these Sicilian cookies—they’re the best recipe I’ve found! —Carolyn Fafinski, Dunkirk, New York

Italian Sesame Cookies

Italy
These nontraditional European cookies aren’t overly sweet and have a wonderful crunch from sesame seeds. They’re the ideal accompaniment to a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea.—Sarah Knoblock, Hyde Park, Indiana

Torcetti

Italy
Our Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and me roll out the dough for these tasty torcetti. Their melt-in-your-mouth goodness is delicious without being overly sweet.—Joy Quici, Upland, California

Italian Orange-Fig Cookies

Italy
This is one of the first cookies I made when I found out I could no longer eat gluten. In those eight years, six of my family members and friends have also had to give up gluten, so these delicious Italian cookies have now become a treasured holiday tradition for all of us. By the way, no one will know they’re gluten free unless you tell them! These cookies last for weeks if stored in a dry place. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Almond Cookies

Quick and easy to make yet quite appealing on the plate, these almond cookies are a great sweet treat for any occasion. Sliced almonds give the tops a pretty "floral" design.

Finnish Pinwheels

Finland
When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I’d made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they’re still being made in our ancestors’ country! —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan

Jammy Dodgers

England
On my first trip to Great Britain, I stumbled upon these cookies (or biscuits in the U.K.). These iconic treats, also spelled Jammie Dodgers, can be found everywhere over there. Since I couldn’t find them in the States, I had to make my own version. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Mandelbrodt

Israel
This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California

Speaking of bread, check out these breads from around the world!

Holland Butter Cookies

Holland
My great-grandmother’s Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey

Silvanas

Philippines
Silvanas are popular in the Philippines for a reason. Cashew-based meringue cookies, rich buttercream and cookie crumbs come together to create this truly delicious treat!

Chocolate Lebkuchen

Germany
Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary holiday custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas

Glazed Pfeffernuesse

Germany
Our version of the classic German cookie is nice to have on hand throughout the holiday season. They stay fresh—and become more intense in flavor—when stored in an airtight container for weeks. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

German Spice Cookies

These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.

Chocolate Alfajores

Peru
Chocolate alfajores, also known as alfajores de chocolate, are a popular South American dessert made of slightly sweetened shortbread cookies filled with a rich and creamy milk caramel called dulce de leche. It’s best to chill the dough at least 2 hours so the cookies hold when baking. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi

Ma'amoul

Lebanon
Ma’amoul is a beloved Middle Eastern butter cookie, made aromatic with flower waters and filled with dates. You’ll need a ma’amoul mold to achieve the iconic ridged shape.

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Mexico
My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called Reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mexican Wedding Cakes

Mexico
As part of a Mexican tradition, I tucked these tender cookies into small gift boxes for the guests at my sister’s wedding a few years ago. Most folks gobbled them up before they ever got home! —Sarita Johnston, San Antonio, Texas

Koulourakia

Greece
Koulourakia are a traditional treat in Greece, where they are usually made for Easter and other celebrations. I enjoy making these buttery, golden Greek cookies to keep me in touch with my heritage. —Nicole Moskou, New York, New York

Melomakarona

Greece
Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this melomakarona cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It’s just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California

Kourambiethes

Greece
My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe. Her grandmother was born in Greece and bakes these cookies for special occasions.—Carol Dale, Greenville, Texas

Macarons

These cookies are a French classic, but you don't need to rush to a patisserie. Learn how to make macarons at home and get all the tips from our pastry pros.

Palmiers

France
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Madeleines

France
These buttery, shell-shaped treats are a cross between a cookie and cake. You’ll need a special molded pan to make this French delicacy, but they’re well worth the effort.

Linzer Cookies

Classic Linzer cookies will always stand out on a holiday cookie plate because of their stained glass appearance and delicate dusting of confectioners' sugar.

Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel Creme

Jamaica
I made these for an office party cookie contest—and not a crumb was left on the platter! Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient. Canned sweet potatoes will work, too, if you’re short on time. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Bohemian Kolaches

Czech Republic
This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois

Calgary Nanaimo Bars

Canada
This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They’re three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

Everyone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cowboy Cookies

United States of America
Laura Bush is famous for her cowboy cookies. Her entry into Family Circle’s Presidential Cookie Bake-Off gave them national recognition. These hefty cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans.

Grandma’s Polish Cookies

Poland
This traditional khruchiki recipe has been handed down through my mother’s side from my great-grandmother. As a child, it was my job to loop the end of each cookie through its hole. —Sherine Elise Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York

Swedish Butter Cookies

Sweden
It’s impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they’re a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is “well-traveled” among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois

Chocolate Lace Cookies

Sweden
My mother and I make these elegant chocolate lace cookies. Baking together is a delightful way to spend an afternoon catching up.—Stacey B., Stillwater, Oklahoma

Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies

Japan

In my delicious recipe for Japanese green tea cookies, bite-size pieces of mochi are the perfect alternative to chocolate chips. —Jennifer Lee, Kirbie’s Cravings

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