15 Popular Italian Pastries
on May 04, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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Italian cuisine is well-loved for more than pasta – their pastries are incredible! From cannoli stuffed with sweet ricotta, or crisp biscotti ready to dip into a cup of hot coffee, you can’t go wrong with Italian pastries!
Today we’re sharing 15 popular Italian pastries. All of them are delicious and can be made in your own kitchen!
Best Italian Pastries
Italian Zeppole Donuts
Zeppole doughnuts are traditionally made in the spring around Easter. They’re light, fluffy, and easy to make. Serve them dusted with icing sugar or cinnamon sugar!
Cavallucci
You’ll love the texture of these sweet cookies. They’re flavored with anise seed and are both crunchy and gooey! Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea.
Bocconotto
You’ll want to serve these miniature-sized cakes at your next get-together! The pastry features a filling that’s flavored with roasted almonds, chocolate, cinnamon, and Grand Marnier. Your guests will love it!
Bombolone
These scrumptious fried donuts are filled with vanilla-flavored Italian pastry cream. Serve them the next time you’re hosting a weekend brunch!
Biscotti
This classic Italian cookie is super easy to make! The recipe includes four different flavors for you to try – classic, chocolate, almond, and cranberry orange.
Sfogliatelle
Also known as lobster tails, sfogliatelle is a delicate multilayered pastry with a creamy ricotta filling. You’ll love the light and crispy texture. Serve these pastries with a dusting of icing sugar.
Cannoli
Crispy shells stuffed with a sweet ricotta filling are impossible to resist! Follow the steps in this recipe for perfect results every time.
Ciarduna
This sweet dessert hails from western Sicily and is similar to cannoli. Enjoy it with hot coffee or tea!
Sfinj
Originally from Morocco, these fried donuts are light and fluffy. Serve them with the sweet sugar syrup included in the recipe as a delightful dip!
Zippuli
These southern Italian treats are made with potatoes and can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory treat. Fill them with ham, cheese, anchovies, or raisins!
Pizzelle
You’ll need just 6 ingredients to make these crispy pizzelles! Serve them dusted with icing sugar and a scoop of your favorite ice cream or gelato!
Pandoro
Make a plan to serve this traditional Christmas bread over the holidays! Your family and friends will definitely be impressed. Serve the slices dusted with icing sugar or a dollop of custard or whipped cream.
Pignolo
These crunchy Italian cookies take just minutes to make. They’re full of delicious almond flavor and get their texture from pine nuts.
Ricciarelli
If you love almond cookies, give this recipe a try! They have a chewy texture and a hint of orange flavor.
Taralli
These bite-sized knots are a combination of a pretzel, bread stick, and a cracker! The batter is boiled and then baked until they’re golden brown. You’ll love the texture!
Easy Italian Pastry Zeppole Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (8 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- vegetable oil , for frying
- powdered sugar , for dusting
Instructions
- Add 2-inch oil to a large pot and heat to 375˚F (190˚C).
- In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, add water, butter, sugar and salt. Cook until butter melts completely.
- Lower the heat and add flour. Use the wooden spoon to mix vigorously until well combined.
- Transfer the dough into a large mixing bowl. Let it cool off slightly, about 3-5 minutes, then add eggs, one at a time. Mix the eggs with the dough using a hand-mixer or wooden spoon. (Make sure your dough is not too hot, otherwise the eggs will scramble when added to the dough.)
- Check the temperature of the oil, if it’s ready, it’s time to fry the donuts. Use a small spoon to spoon out the batter, and then use another spoon or spatula to scrape the batter into the oil. Make sure to lower the spoon into the oil very gently so that you won’t splash the oil onto yourself.
- Cook in batches and fry 10-12 donuts at a time. Fry for 4-5 minutes for each batch until they turn golden brown. You’ll need to turn them over from time to time to make sure all sides get cooked properly.
- Remove cooked zeppole from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel lined plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- It’s important to monitor the oil temperature during frying process, and make sure the temperature stays between 350˚F and 375˚F.
- This recipe yields about 36 to 40 zeppole donuts depending on the size of your balls.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Wow, this list has my taste buds tingling with anticipation! Thanks for the mouthwatering recommendations!
Thanks for sharing a list of popular Italian pastry ideas!