Chocolate Salami Cookies

Part chocolate truffle, part crispy cookie, Chocolate Salami is a Portuguese/Italian tradition that guests are sure to love.

Chocolate Salami Cookies are a no-bake dessert made with dark chocolate, roasted pistachios, ladyfingers, and dried cherries soaked in fresh orange juice. The texture is rich and truffle-like, with just enough crunch to feel like a cookie. Chocolate and orange are a classic pairing, and the citrus-soaked cherries add brightness that balances the deep chocolate flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Salami Cookies

• No-bake and make-ahead friendly. These chocolate salami cookies come together without turning on the oven and can be made days in advance.

• Great texture in every bite. Crunchy pistachios, soft cherries, and tender ladyfingers are mixed into a rich chocolate base.

• Bright citrus flavor. Fresh orange juice and orange extract balance the chocolate and keep the cookies from tasting heavy.

• Impressive but easy. Rolled, chilled, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies look elegant with very little effort.

• Perfect for holidays and gifting. They slice cleanly, travel well, and look beautiful on dessert trays.

• Easy to customize. Swap the dried fruit or nuts to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

A Classic European No-Bake Cookie

Chocolate Salami Cookies have roots in both Portugal and Italy, where simple pantry ingredients turn into an elegant, slice-and-serve dessert. Instead of baking, chocolate binds together broken cookies, nuts, and flavorings into a chilled log that slices like salami. The powdered sugar coating mimics the look of the classic cured meat, making this no-bake cookie as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Let me show you how to make this fabulous no-bake treat:

Prepare the Ladyfingers

First, cut the ladyfingers into ½-inch pieces. Set aside about 1 cup of the pieces. Then grind the remaining ladyfingers until fine. You should have about ¾ cup of crumbs.

Next, combine the chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and melt until smooth. Stir in the ground ladyfingers until fully incorporated.

Meanwhile, finely chop the dried cherries. Combine them with fresh orange juice and orange extract. Let the cherries soak while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This step softens the fruit and adds bright citrus flavor.

Combine the Ingredients and Form the Cookie Salamis

First, stir the ground ladyfingers into the melted chocolate until smooth. Next, add the pistachios, soaked cherries, and reserved ladyfingers. Stir until all of the ingredients are evenly coated in chocolate.

Then divide the mixture in half. Place each portion on a large sheet of plastic wrap and roll it into a tight, salami-shaped log. Twist the ends to secure.

Finally, refrigerate the logs for at least 3 hours, or until firm. Once chilled, roll them in powdered sugar and slice to serve.

Slice the Chocolate Salami

First, remove the chocolate salami from the refrigerator and roll it in powdered sugar. Then slice it right away while the log is still firm. As the cookies sit at room temperature, the texture softens slightly and the flavor improves even more.

Serve for Maximum Visual Appeal

Finally, lean into the playful look of this dessert. Serve the sliced chocolate salami on a cutting board for a striking presentation. For extra impact, leave part of one log unsliced so guests can see the salami-style shape before serving.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Swap dried cherries for cranberries, apricots, or raisins.

• Use hazelnuts or almonds instead of pistachios.

• Soak the fruit in red wine, port, or rum for a deeper flavor.

• Mix dark and semi-sweet chocolate to adjust sweetness.

• Add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

With so many ways to customize Chocolate Salami Cookies, it’s easy to tailor this no-bake dessert to your taste or the occasion. Before you get started, here are a few common questions to help you make and store them with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chocolate Salami Cookies need to be baked?
No. Chocolate Salami Cookies are a no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator.

How long do Chocolate Salami Cookies last?
Wrapped tightly, the chilled logs keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Once sliced, store leftovers in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Chocolate Salami Cookies?
Yes. Wrap the logs well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and coating with powdered sugar.

Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely. Leave out the nuts or replace them with extra ladyfingers for texture.

Chocolate Salami Cookies come from both Portugal and Italy, where cooks combine chocolate with broken cookies, nuts, and a splash of liqueur. Traditional recipes often use port wine, rum, or Grand Marnier. I reach for orange juice and orange extract instead because they’re pantry-friendly and easy to find. Soaking the cherries in red wine creates a deeper, richer flavor, while orange-soaked cherries pair beautifully with chocolate and pistachios. Try different combinations and make this recipe your own—and be sure to tell me what you create.

For more delicious cookies anytime of year, check out my White Chocolate Strawberry Cookies and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. You won’t find beauties like these at the cookies exchange party.

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5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Salami Cookies

Chocolate Salami Cookies are an easy no-bake dessert made with melted chocolate, ladyfingers, pistachios, and dried cherries soaked in fresh orange juice. Shaped into sliceable logs and rolled in powdered sugar, they look impressive but come together with simple pantry ingredients. This make-ahead treat is perfect for holidays, gifting, and entertaining.

Course Cookies

Prep Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 134

Author Good Dinner Mom

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

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• ½ cup dried cherries, chopped coarse
• ¼ cup freshly squeeze orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 11 dried ladyfingers, savoiardi, cut into ½-inch chunks
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, or bittersweet
• Pinch salt
• ⅔ cup pistachios
• ½ cup powder sugar

Instructions

• Combine ½ cup cherries and ¼ cup orange juice/extract in small bowl and microwave until hot, about 30 seconds; let sit until cherries have softened and mixture is cool, about 15 minutes (just let them sit while you prepare the other ingredients).
• Reserve 1 cup ladyfingers. Process remaining ladyfinger in food processor to fine crumbs, about 30 seconds. This will yield about ¾ cup.
• Place ⅓ cup cream and 1 cup chocolate in a medium, microwave-safe bowl, heat on 50 percent power, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth, about 60 seconds total. Add pinch salt and ladyfinger crumbs and stir to combine. Add ⅔ cup pistachios, reserved ladyfingers, and cherry mixture (including juice). Stir until thick dough forms.
• Divide dough in half and place each half on a large sheet of plastic wrap (about 12' long). Use plastic to roll each dough into tight 6-inch log, twisting ends well to secure. Refrigerate dough logs until firm, at least 3 hours. Chilled dough can be stored in fridge for up to 3 days.
• When ready to serve, place ½ cup powdered sugar in shallow dish. Unwrap dough logs and roll in sugar until well coated, brushing off excess. Cut each log into ½ -inch slices. Serve.

Notes

Notes & Tips

• Make ahead: Chocolate salami logs can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
• Freezing option: Wrap logs well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling in powdered sugar and slicing.
• For clean slices: Slice the logs while cold, then allow the cookies to sit briefly at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
• Easy swaps: Substitute pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts, or use cranberries or raisins in place of dried cherries.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Salami Cookies

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 134 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 17mg1%

Potassium 75mg2%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 178IU4%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 31mg3%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe adapted slightly from Cook’s Country magazine.