
Ricciarelli di Siena are soft almond biscuits with an oval, slightly flattened shape, covered with a generous dusting of powdered sugar that resembles snow. Inside they remain tender and fragrant, with an intense almond flavor and balanced sweetness. Served as a dessert, they are often paired with a glass of Vin Santo, which enhances their aromatic notes. At the first bite, you notice a soft, almost marzipan-like texture—delicate and enveloping.
Ricciarelli are one of the most recognizable sweet symbols of Siena, deeply tied to the city’s medieval tradition. Prepared especially during the Christmas season but available year-round in historic pastry shops, they reflect Siena’s ancient craft of working with almonds and sugar. They are an emblem of local convivial culture and Tuscan pastry-making.
The origins of ricciarelli date back at least to the Middle Ages and are linked to the trade connections between Siena and the East, from which spices and almond sweets similar to marzipan arrived. According to tradition, the recipe was introduced by Ricciardetto Della Gherardesca upon his return from the Crusades. Over time the dessert took on its current form, becoming one of the city’s most famous IGP products.
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