Easy Italian Wine Cookies (Ciambelline al Vino)

If you’re looking for wine cookies original Italian recipes, this one is tasty and easy-to-make. These delicious wine cookies a.k.a. Ciambelline al Vino or Biscotti al Vino are made with wine (white or red), anise seeds and a few other simple ingredients. They’re dairy free and Vegan.

Authentic Italian Cookies

Italian wine cookies, or “ciambelline al vino,” are a delightful and simple treat that has been enjoyed for generations. These crunchy, lightly sweet cookies are made with simple ingredients and flavored with red or white wine, giving them a subtle and delicious taste.

They are perfect for dipping in wine, coffee, or tea, but taste great on their own too.

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The Origins of Italian Wine Cookies

Wine cookies come from the rustic kitchens of central Italy, especially in the Lazio region near the Roman countryside. Farmers and home bakers created them as a way to use up leftover wine, combining it with flour, sugar, and olive oil to make a simple, yet delicious snack.

Because they contain no eggs or butter, they are naturally dairy-free and have a crisp, almost biscuit-like texture.

These delicious cookies have long been a staple in Italian homes, often made in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.

Traditionally, they were served alongside a glass of wine as an after-dinner treat or given as gifts during holidays and special occasions.

Italians can refer to their cookies as biscuits so you may see them referred to as Italian wine biscuits. Serve these authentic Italian cookies to dip in wine (preferably a dessert wine or sweet wine) at the end of a meal or in the morning with a cup of coffee. 

They’re traditional rustic-looking ciambelline al vino cookies that resemble little donuts as the name “ciambelline” means in Italian.

Because the alcohol cooks out, these delicious cookies  can be enjoyed both by adults and children. 

Wine Cookies Ciambelle al Vino

These simple cookies are delicious wine cookies that are made with mostly basic pantry staples.

You will need anise seeds to make this simple recipe but, you can use anise seeds to make other cookies like anise biscotti and anise pizzelles. Therefore, they won’t go to waste.

Ingredients

*The full printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• dry white wine
• anise seeds
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt
• all purpose flour
• granulated white sugar
• baking powder

Instructions

First, preheat oven to 350F. 

Then, add anise seeds to wine. Give it a good stir and set aside.

Next, in a large bowl sift the flour and baking powder. Then, add sugar and salt. Stir it and then make a well in the middle.

Then, add the olive oil followed by the wine with anise seeds to the well. 

Using your hands in a circular motion, begin to incorporate the flour into the liquids. 

Next, form it into a ball.

Then, move it to floured surface on your kitchen counter and knead it for a few minutes. Get the dough a bit smoother.

Then, with your hands, roll out a piece of dough to about 3 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. Form into a circle and join the ends and press to close.

Next, dip one side of the cookie into the sugar for decorating and place the undipped side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining dough.

Then, bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool before eating.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container or tin box for up to ten days. Store the leftover wine in the refrigerator to serve with these delicious Italian wine cookies. 

Substitutions

• For a more intense flavor, use dry red wine instead of a dry white wine. the cookies will be brown in color.
• You may use regular olive oil (not extra virgin) or  vegetable oil in this recipe.

How to Serve Italian Wine Cookies

One of the best things about wine cookies ciambelline al vino is their versatility. Remember, you can enjoy this crunchy cookie with or without a glass of wine.

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

1. Dipped in Wine – Italians often dip these cookies in a glass of red or white wine, letting them soak up the flavors.
2. With Coffee or Tea – Their crunchy texture makes them perfect for dunking in a hot cup of coffee or tea.
3. As a Light Dessert – Serve them after a meal with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for a simple yet satisfying sweet treat.
4. On a Cheese Board – Pair them with mild cheeses, nuts, and dried fruit, such as apricots or peaches, for a rustic Italian snack board.

This classic Italian cookie is simple, yet a flavorful treat, that brings a taste of Italy to your home. Whether you enjoy them with wine, coffee, tea or on their own, these delicious cookies are sure to become a favorite.

They’re a perfect addition to any cookie tray and make a great gift. Make a batch and share them with friends and family—just like Italians have done for centuries! 

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Good Italian Anise Christmas Cookies Recipe

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