A platter of beautiful homemade cookies is one of the highlights of the holidays; even better if they are Italian cookies. Step inside a pasticceria in any Italian town, or an Italian bakery anywhere else, and you will be met with a near-endless selection of cookies: butter cookies and nut cookies, fruit-filled and rolled, chocolate-dipped, spiced, and sandwiched.

Believe me, it was a tough choice, but I’ve selected three of the most festive Italian cookies for you to make in this class, each worthy of your holiday platter:

• Baci di Dama (Ladies’ Kisses): These dainty buttery hazelnut cookies sandwiched with bittersweet chocolate are a specialty of Piemonte. My version is spiked with a little espresso.

• Ricciarelli: Elegant, diamond-shaped almond cookies coated in powdered sugar, ricciarelli originated in Siena (Tuscany) and date back to the Renaissance.

• Giuggiulena: More of a confection than a cookie, these bite-sized Sicilian treats are made with sesame seeds, almonds and honey.

All classes take place on Zoom. Spaces is limited to 8 students so that everyone can receive the individual instruction necessary to master specific techniques. You will receive the recipes as well as a list of ingredients and equipment needed a week before class. The day before, you will receive an email with a link to the class on Zoom.

Join me for this cookie celebration!