Ricciarelli (Siena, Italy)

2021 Update: This was last year's favourite, so it got a free pass to this year's cookie box.

It's not Christmas if there's no Italian cookies, as some of you know, I adore Italian cuisine. This almond-y goodness is both gluten and dairy free, that's a double win! No one knew who invented Ricciarelli, but they're one of the most traditional sweets from Siena, dating back to the 16th century. The name comes from riccio, means curl, because they used to give them a curl upward at one end, just like an elf boot.

They're even better the next day, enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee.

Recipe by Caroline, here. I love citrus, so I used the whole orange and added lemon zest.