This traditional Italian treat (that is quite similar to the Austrian linzer augen) consists of two classic shortbread butter cookies sandwiched with a delicious fruit jam filling—typically either apricot, strawberry, or cherry jam.

After baking, the cookies are dusted with icing sugar which makes the red filling pop, indeed resembling an occhio di bue, or "bull's eye" in Italian. These cookie sandwiches have become ubiquitous in Italy and can be found in virtually any pastry shop, although they are most prevalent in northern parts of the country.

However, modern recipes often include almond meal, while the jam is sometimes substituted with chocolate or Nutella.