1. Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Living in Europe completely changed my standards for hot cocoa. Packaged mixes just cannot compare to the real deal anymore.
This version uses a massive amount of actual chocolate. It creates a thin ganache that is absolutely drool-worthy.
2. Easy Classic Pizzelle Recipe (Italian Waffle Cookies)
You need a special iron to get that signature waffle shape, but the effort pays off. These cookies are dangerously addictive once you start eating them.
They feature a light, crisp texture with a simple vanilla taste. Feel free to swap in almond, anise, or lemon flavorings too.
3. Chocolate-Vanilla Tartufo
This traditional treat hides layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream inside a crisp chocolate shell. It is a common find in Italian restaurants along the East Coast.
While the process looks involved, the actual steps are not complicated. Impress your dinner guests with this elegant finale.
4. Italian Butter Cookies
You probably see these pop up everywhere during the holiday season. They taste like a cross between a sugar cookie and shortbread.
The richness is undeniable. Skip the frosting so you can really taste that buttery goodness.
5. Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almonds
Ricotta and lemon make a perfect pair in this zesty cake. The cheese provides moisture similar to sour cream but adds extra sweetness.
It balances out the tart citrus flavors beautifully. Top it with toasted almonds for a nice finish.
6. Italian-Style Candied Chestnuts
I had never tasted candied chestnuts before this, despite having them roasted many times. You peel and boil the nuts before gently stripping away the skins.
They take a bath in a vanilla sugar syrup next. The finished texture reminds me of a soft, chewy dried apricot.
7. Cranberry, Pistachio and White Chocolate Panettone
You likely see tall boxes of this bread in stores around Christmas. This homemade version is my absolute favorite.
It is packed with chewy tart cranberries and white chocolate. Crunchy pistachios add a wonderful texture to every bite.
8. Canestrelli (Italian Egg Yolk Cookies)
These Italian sugar cookies offer a mild lemon taste. They have a nice crunch but remain tender enough to melt in your mouth.
The secret involves grating a hard-boiled egg yolk into the dough. This prevents gluten development so they stay soft.
9. Northern Italian Apple Strudel
Italy has its own version of the famous apple strudel. This sophisticated pastry uses apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and puff pastry.
You also include raisins, nuts, and a splash of Calvados liquor. Pair a slice with a glass of dessert wine.
10. 5-Ingredient Cannolis
I adore the combination of a crisp shell and creamy filling. However, frying the shells at home is a huge hassle without the right tools.
My trick is buying pre-made shells from a local Italian bakery. Just pipe in your sweet filling and enjoy.
11. Torta Barozzi
The original formula for this dessert has remained a secret since 1886. Many chefs attempt to recreate it, and this version is a fantastic interpretation.
It combines peanuts, almonds, dark chocolate, and coffee. The result is totally decadent.
12. Easy Tiramisu Cake
You can use a boxed vanilla mix to save time on this dessert. Soak the cake thoroughly with the coffee syrup for maximum flavor.
Instant coffee works just fine if you lack espresso powder. My version features a frosting made of mascarpone and Bailey’s infused whipped cream.
13. Italian Pear Almond Cake
Brown butter pairs wonderfully with pear in this lovely cake. Simply heat your butter gently until it turns brown and smells fragrant.
Once you try it, you will want to put it in everything. It tastes especially great in chocolate chip cookies.
14. Strawberry Gelato
You do not need a machine to make this fruit gelato. It differs from ice cream because it uses more milk than cream.
The mixture is also churned slower to incorporate less air. Try this method and you might stop buying store-bought tubs.
15. Italian Christmas Cookies
These treats taste like little glazed cake clouds. Keeping them in ball shapes ensures fluffy centers with cookie-like edges.
Feel free to shape them however you like. Swap the anise for cinnamon if you prefer a warmer spice profile.
16. Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies
I am totally on board with eating cookies for breakfast. These remind me of traditional Lady Fingers.
The shell is crisp while the inside stays tender. Beating the sugar and eggs until frothy creates that airy texture.
17. Chocolate Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta Tart
Sweetened cream and gelatin create this silky smooth dessert. Panna cotta is simple and elegant on its own.
This recipe uses a chocolate pie dough for a stunning visual contrast. It is a nice change from standard tart shells.
18. Zeppole
These little Italian donut holes are incredibly light. After frying, they get a dusting of powdered sugar.
You can also roll them in cinnamon sugar for a fun twist. The whole recipe takes just 30 minutes to make.
19. Almond Biscotti Recipe with Cranberries
These cookies get baked twice to dry them out. While “dry” sounds bad, here it means crisp and crunchy.
They are absolutely loaded with flavor. Dip one end in dark chocolate for an extra special treat.
20. Italian Berry Mascarpone Cake
This cake starts with a pistachio sponge base. Layers of berry filling, whipped cream, and mascarpone stack on top.
The cheese is definitely the star here. It is a light way to end a heavy meal.
21. Chocolate Gelato
Gelato offers a smoother texture than traditional ice cream. It uses a milk base rather than a heavy cream custard.
This lowers the overall fat content. Using real cocoa and chocolate ensures the best flavor profile.