18 International Cookie Recipes For Your Holiday Exchange

I am always a fan of cheeky banter.

So, even without looking at the recipe, I was drawn to humor of the post. I mean, who doesn't want a fail safe way to woo someone?

Not only will these cookies satisfy someone's craving for a cream-filled cookie, but it may give you insight into your British friends.

The cream is flavored with some vanilla extract so it's a great recipe for people who don't want anything too different from the norm.

If you're looking for a cookie with crunch but is peanut-free, try these pignoli cookies.

This recipe lets you bake these Italian favorites from scratch at home.

They can easily be made gluten free too.

When I first saw this recipe I thought I would include the cookies shaped like a maple leaf as a way to honor my neighbors to the north because of the maple leaf.

Then, I read Kate's post only to learn that these maple cream cookies are, in fact, iconic in Canada. Who knew?

This is another cream-filled cookie, but flavored with maple syrup and extract.

So these maple cream cookies will add a nice flavor balance to any assortment.

I must admit, when I see a shortbread cookie I think it can't be all that hard to make and yet...

I've learned the hard way (no pun intended) that there is some art to mixing a handful of ingredients.

According to Christina, this shortbread cookie is sure to make the Scots proud and is easy to make.

This is why it is definitely on my list of new recipes to try for the holiday cookie tins.

Japanese desserts may not be something you're very familiar with unless you live somewhere with a large Japanese community (and therefore a variety of markets and shops). Or, you have Japanese friends who share their homemade goodies.

Even if you are familiar with Japanese foods, yaki manju may be a new option.

This Japanese dessert is described as a "Japanese turnover" and is flavored with a sweet red bean paste.

Cinnamon lovers, unite! I have found you the basic flavors of a churro (cinnamon & sugar) in cookie form. Even better? These will keep much longer than friend dough.

Granted, since they will be quickly devoured they may not last all that long...

This recipe is vegan and you can freeze these Mexican cookies to save some for a later date.

Everyone wins!

These strawberry mochi cookies are the recipe creator's mashup of two of Heather's beloved desserts - mochi and cookies.

You get your cookie with a softer, chewy and flavored center so there are a variety of flavor combinations you can try.

ANZAC biscuits are a buttery, caramel-flavored cookie that people eat throughout Australia and New Zealand.

This is another new-to-me recipe. If my house, however, one can't go wrong when the recipe includes coconut and oats.

It almost makes is a breakfast cookie...right?

The recipe also calls for "golden syrup" which, if you're in the US, isn't something your neighborhood grocery will likely carry.

There are substitues mentioned in the recipe, though, if you don't feel like purchasing the product from Amazon.

I included these pumpkin spice snickerdoodles because they are international-esque with their French vanilla chai glaze.

Plus, since pumpkin spice is seemingly a quintessential American flavor these days, this cookie recipe become a multnational option.

Another side note: you'd be surprised at how many people haven't even tried a regular snickerdoodle.

So, if you don't like the flavors of this cookie just add a standard snickerdoodle to your holiday exchange. People will love them.

As Caroline explains in her post, "Basler brunsli are a traditional Swiss Christmas cookie made with almonds, chocolate and a touch of spice."

YUM.

If these have tempted your palate, you'll need to make a run to the store if you don't usually have almond flour and bittersweet chocolate in your panty.

I bet depending on who you ask, different cultures will claim the macaroon as their own. In fact, following the evolution of the macaroon is quite fascinating.

Regardless of who originally brought us the coconut goodness, when you drizzle some chocolate on it they become quite irresistible.

And go ahead and get into a philosophical debate about the difference of macaroons and macarons (also explained in the evolution link above) to add even more cultural flair.

These rose pistachio cookies are also a shortbread cookie.

While not an specific international cookie recipe, the recipe author, Bintu, was inspired by Turkish flavors after a visit to Istanbul.

The edible flowers also make this a beautiful visual addition to your holiday cookie exchange.

I have always believed biscotti to be an Italian cookie (aka biscuit) but then, when I started writing this post, a hint of self doubt crept it.

So, I searched the interwebs to learn more about the history of biscotti. Fortunately, I was on the right track.

Biscotti is a great option for a holiday cookie exchange.

It's one of the few cookies someone can include with breakfast because they are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.

Italian ricotta cheese cookies are cake-like cookies that are soft on the inside and iced on the top.

They are traditionally thought of as an Italian Christmas cookie.

If you don't usually have margarine in your fridge, make sure to pick some up at the store because this recipe calls for it.

I know I already included a pignoli cookie recipe earlier in the list.

Since this is a favorite of so many people, though, I thought it would be fun to see how two different people approach this recipe.

Not only that, but it's fun to read the story of how each person found the cookie and share their steps to making it.

I couldn't have a list of international flavors without including Nutella, now could I?

Before Nutella became a normal grocery item here in the US, I knew a French woman who would eat Nutella every morning with her banana and bread.

I didn't understand the appeal of it then, and still don't to this day since I'm not a hazelnut fan.

I do, however, understand the appeal of a lava cookie. It's bite-sized and it has an oozing center.

These cookies provide a visual and taste bud appeal as individual serving. That makes them perfect for any occasion.

If you're looking to try a new flavor without too much of a learning curve, these green tea matcha cookies might be just the thing.

All you need is flour, matcha, butter, and sugar and around 30 minutes.

These cookies not only add a new flavor to your holiday, but some color too!

Kourabiedes are a Greek shortbread cookies that is traditionally made during Christmas.

And these are sure to be a hit because this recipe promises they will melt in your mouth.

Pay close attention to the butter quality because according to Ivy, that's one of the most important ingredients.