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 10 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!