There’s nothing quite like Italian pastries. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these 19 recipes have you covered. From classic favorites like cannoli and biscotti to modern twists on old classics, there’s bound to be a recipe here that will tantalize your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
Table of contents
Baci di Dama
Baci di Dama are traditional Italian cookies that are light, delicate, and absolutely delicious. They have a beautiful almond flavor, with a hint of chocolate, and they melt in your mouth like nothing else. These cookies are made by sandwiching together two hazelnut meringue disks with a chocolate ganache filling. They’re typically round in shape, but can also be found in the form of crescents or hearts.
Baci di Dama translate to “ladies’ kisses” in English, which is a nod to their dainty and ladylike appearance. These cookies are often given as gifts during the holiday season or served at special occasions such as weddings or birthday parties.
Baicoli
Baicoli are Italian pastries that are similar to biscotti. They are traditionally made with flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and they are often coated with a layer of chocolate. Baicoli are typically served as a dessert, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack or an after-dinner treat.
Biscotti
Biscotti is an Italian pastry made from a dough that is twice-baked and then cooled. The word “biscotti” comes from the Latin word meaning “twice-cooked.” Biscotti originated in the city of Prato, Italy, in the early 19th century.
The dough for biscotti is very stiff, and it is usually flavored with almonds, lemon zest, or anise. After the dough is formed into logs and baked for the first time, it is sliced into thin strips and then baked again until crisp. Biscotti are often served with coffee or dessert wine.
Biscotti Regina
Biscotti Regina is a classic Italian pastry that is made from ladyfingers, rum-soaked raisins, and a sweet custard filling. It is usually topped with powdered sugar or cocoa powder, and it is absolutely delicious!
Bocconotto
Bocconotto pastry is a type of Italian pastry. It is made with a shortcrust pastry base and filled with an assortment of sweet ingredients, such as chocolate, coffee, or hazelnut cream. Bocconotti are traditionally round in shape, but they can also be found in other shapes, such as heart-shaped or oblong.
These delicious pastries originated in the southern Italian region of Puglia and are now enjoyed all over Italy. If you’re ever lucky enough to visits Italy, make sure you try a bocconotto (or two)!
Bombolone
Bombolone is a type of Italian pastry. They are made from a sweet dough that is filled with either whipped cream or custard, and then they are deep-fried. They are usually served with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or with chocolate sauce.
Cannoli
Cannoli are a type of Italian pastry that are made from a tube-shaped dough that is deep-fried and then filled with a sweet, creamy filling. The most common flavor for the filling is ricotta cheese, but other flavors such as chocolate, pistachio, and vanilla can also be used.
Ciarduna
Ciarduna is a type of Italian pastry that is usually made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and Marsala wine. It has a flaky and light texture, and is often filled with different types of creams or jams.
Ciarduna is a popular pastry in the areas of Sicily and Sardinia. It can be served as an appetizer or dessert, and is sometimes paired with coffee or tea.
Nocciolini di Canzo
Nocciolini di Canzo are a type of Italian pastry made with chocolate and hazelnut cream. They are named after the town of Canzo, in the province of Como, where they were first created.
Nocciolini di Canzo are made by wrapping a thin layer of chocolate dough around a hazelnut cream filling. The pastries are then baked until the chocolate dough is crisp and the hazelnut cream is hot and bubbly. They are usually served with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top.
Pandoro
Pandoro is a classic Italian pastry that is basically a delicious, fluffy, vanilla-scented cake. It’s typically served around Christmastime, but really it’s perfect for any occasion. Pandoro is made with a light and airy dough that is similar to a Brioche dough, and the end result is simply amazing. If you’ve never tried one before, I highly recommend you do so soon!
Pevarini
Pevarini are a type of Italian pastry that are made with a cream filling and a chocolate glaze. They are named after the Pevarino region in Italy where they were first created.
Pignolata
Pignolata is a traditional Italian pastry that is made from flour, sugar, eggs, and pinoli (pine nuts). The dough is formed into small balls and then rolled in a mixture of confectioners’ sugar and pinoli. Pignolata are often served as a dessert or snack.
Pignolo
Pignolo is a traditional Italian pastry. It is made with a light, flaky dough and typically filled with almond paste or custard. The pastry is then rolled in chopped nuts oremade candied fruit peel. Pignolo has a long history dating back to the Renaissance, when it was served at weddings and other special occasions. Today, this delicious treat is enjoyed by Italians and visitors to Italy alike! Thanks for asking about pignolo pastry – I hope you get to try one soon!
Pizzelle
Pizzelle pastry is an Italian pastry that is made from a leavened dough. The dough is then formed into a thin waffle and cooked on a griddle. Once it is cooked, the pizzelle is then dusted with powdered sugar.
Pizzelles are one of the oldest Italianpastries and date back to the 8th century. They were originally made by cooks who used a iron mold to imprint the design on the waffle. The designs were often religious in nature and would be used to create unique illustrations on the surface of the pasta.
Sfinge
Sfinge are Italian pastries that are made from a dough that is similar to that of a cream puff, but with a higher proportion of sugar. The dough is piped into small mounds and then deep-fried. After being fried, the sfinge are then rolled in sugar.
Sfinge can be eaten either warm or cold and are often served as an accompaniment to coffee or cappuccino. They are also sometimes served as a dessert.
Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle pastry is a type of Italian pastry that is made with multiple layers of dough. The dough is usually filled with ricotta cheese and the pastry is then baked. The name “sfogliatelle” comes from the Italian word meaning “leaf/layers”, which refers to the many layers of dough that make up this tasty treat.
If you’re ever in Italy (or even if you’re not), be sure to try a sfogliatelle! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Torta caprese
Maybe you’ve had cannoli at an Italian restaurant or bakery, but have you ever had torta caprese? This scrumptious pastry hails from the island of Capri, off the coast of Southern Italy. Also known as an Italian Wedding Cake, the torta caprese is a sponge cake layered with chocolate and almond paste, then covered in a thin layer of fondant.
The flavors in this heavenly cake will transport you to the Mediterranean! The chocolate and almond paired together create a divine taste that is both rich and nutty, while the thin layer of fondant gives the cake a beautiful shine. Plus, who doesn’t love wedding cake?!
Zeppole
Zeppole are Italian pastries that are made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and sugar. They are usually fried in oil and then sprinkled with powdered sugar or covered in a chocolate glaze.
They are a popular pastry during the Christmas season, but they can be enjoyed all year round. They are perfect for any occasion!
Zippuli
Zippuli is a traditional Italian pastry consisting of fried dough balls that are typically coated in sugar. They are often served as a dessert or as part of a festive spread, and can be made using various types of dough including yeast-based, potato, and even rice. While the Ingredients and methods for making zippuli vary regionally across Italy, they all share one commonality: they are absolutely delicious! No matter what form they take, these little balls of sweet goodness are sure to put a smile on your face. So next time you’re looking for something to snack on (or impress your friends with), why not give zippuli a try? You won’t be disappointed.
Italian Pastries FAQs
What is the most popular pastry in Italy?
If you ask any Italian foodie worth their salt, they’ll tell you that the most popular pastry in Italy is undoubtedly the cannolo. Cannoli are a traditional Sicilian dessert made from fried dough filled with ricotta cheese and Candied fruit. They’re bite-sized and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
In recent years, however, there has been a bit of controversy surrounding the true origins of the cannolo. While most people believe that it originated in Sicily, there is some evidence to suggest that it actually came from Calabria (the southernmost region of mainland Italy). Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped Sicilians from claiming ownership of the cannolo.
In Italy, cookies are called biscotti. They are a type of Italian pastry that is made from flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and almonds. Biscotti are often dipped in coffee or wine, and they are a popular dessert item in Italy.
The most popular Italian cookie is the biscotti. It is a type of dry, hardbread that is made from flour, eggs, sugar, and almonds. Biscotti are usually dipped in coffee or wine. Other popular Italian pastries include cannoli (cylindrical tubes of fried dough filled with sweetened ricotta cheese), sfogliatelle (a type of lobster tail pastry), and tiramisu (a coffee-flavored dessert made from ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, cocoa powder, and liquor).
Takeaway
From birthday celebrations to holidays, there’s always a perfect Italian pastry to mark the occasion. Which of these delicious pastries will you be enjoying next?