18 Italian Desserts For Christmas Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
Italian desserts are a delicious and indulgent way to celebrate the holiday season. And what better time to enjoy these sweet treats than Christmas? With a rich history and a variety of flavors, Italian desserts have become a staple in many households during the holiday season. From traditional recipes to modern twists, there's a dessert for every taste bud. So let's dive into some of the best Italian desserts for Christmas that will surely impress your friends and family.
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
What's not to love about a crispy, flaky shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta filling? Cannolis are a staple in Italian desserts and are a must-try for any food lover. This recipe for Basic Cannoli is a great place to start for those looking to try their hand at making this delicious treat at home. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a plate of authentic Italian cannolis in no time.
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Italian Meringue Hazelnut Macarons with Chocolate...
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Confectioners Sugar, Sugar, Water, Egg
If you're feeling up for a challenge and want to impress your friends and family with your baking skills, try making these Italian Meringue Hazelnut Macarons with Chocolate Ganache. These delicate, almond-flavored cookies are sandwiched together with a rich and creamy chocolate ganache, making for a decadent and irresistible treat. While macarons may seem intimidating to make, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step and help you achieve perfect macarons every time.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
Soft, chewy, and full of almond flavor, these Italian Almond Paste Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie platter. Made with almond paste, these cookies have a rich and nutty taste and a soft texture that will have you reaching for seconds. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple afternoon snack. Try topping them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Another delicious almond-based cookie, these Italian Almond Cookies are light, airy, and slightly crispy, making them the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea. The addition of orange zest adds a lovely citrusy note to the cookies, making them even more irresistible. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, perfect for beginner bakers or for those looking for a quick and tasty treat.
Ricotta cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine, and these Italian Ricotta Cookies are a great way to incorporate it into your baking. The ricotta gives these cookies a soft and tender texture, while the addition of lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing flavor. Top them off with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Sfogliatelle, also known as lobster tails, are a classic Italian pastry that may seem daunting to make but is well worth the effort. Made with a flaky, buttery pastry and filled with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, these pastries are a true indulgence. They are perfect for special occasions or as a special treat for yourself. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delicious pastries and will have you feeling like a professional pastry chef.
If you're a fan of lemon desserts, then you'll love this Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake. The ricotta in the batter makes for a moist and tender cake, while the addition of lemon zest and juice gives it a bright and tangy flavor. Top it off with a simple glaze and some fresh berries for a beautiful and delicious dessert. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This Italian Plum Tart is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for showcasing the flavors of fresh plums. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet plums, and a hint of cinnamon makes for a delightful and comforting treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet indulgence. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginner bakers.
Cheesecake lovers, this one's for you. This Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is a lighter and fluffier version of the classic cheesecake, thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese. The ricotta also adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cake, making it stand out from traditional cheesecakes. This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for those looking to switch up their cheesecake game.
These Italian Wedding Cookies, also known as "Mexican Wedding Cookies" or "Russian Tea Cakes," are a classic and beloved treat. The combination of butter, nuts, and powdered sugar makes for a rich and indulgent cookie that melts in your mouth. They are perfect for weddings, hence the name, but are also great for any occasion or as a sweet snack.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
If you're looking for a cake recipe that's simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake. With a tender and moist crumb and a bright and tangy flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty dessert. This cake is perfect for any time of year and is guaranteed to impress.
This Italian Love Cake is a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your loved ones. Made with layers of chocolate cake, a creamy ricotta filling, and a rich chocolate ganache, this cake is a true indulgence. The addition of coffee gives the cake a deep and rich flavor, making it perfect for coffee lovers. This recipe may take some time to prepare, but the end result is well worth the effort.
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Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Orange, Honey, Almond
These Italian Almond-Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of nutty and citrusy flavors. The addition of orange zest and juice adds a bright and tangy note to the cookies, while the almonds give them a nice crunch. These cookies are perfect for any time of year and are a great option for those who love fruit and nut combinations.
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Simple Tiramisu
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Mascarpone Cheese, Brewed Coffee
Tiramisu, meaning "pick-me-up" in Italian, is a beloved and popular dessert all around the world. This Simple Tiramisu recipe is easy to make and yields delicious results every time. Made with layers of ladyfingers, a rich and creamy mascarpone mixture, and dusted with cocoa powder, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or just as a treat for yourself.
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Italian Almond Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Almond Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
This Italian Almond Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for showcasing the flavors of almonds. The combination of almond flour and almond extract gives the cake a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Top it off with slivered almonds and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
If you're a fan of the classic Italian pignoli cookie, you'll love this recipe. These Italian Pignoli Cookies are soft and chewy, with a delicate almond flavor and a slight crunch from the pine nuts. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Try serving them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful and comforting treat.
This Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for those who love rich and creamy desserts. Made with a cream cheese and ricotta filling, this cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor. Top it off with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of sweetness. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for yourself.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
Hot chocolate is a beloved and comforting drink, and this European-style Hot Chocolate takes it to the next level. Made with real chocolate and a hint of cinnamon, this hot chocolate is rich, velvety, and oh-so-delicious. It's perfect for chilly days or as a special treat for yourself. Top it off with some whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for a luxurious touch.
These Italian Lemon Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with lemon zest and juice, these cookies are bright and refreshing, perfect for any time of year. The addition of an easy lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes these cookies even more irresistible. They are perfect for cookie platters, holiday gatherings, or as a simple afternoon snack.
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Kahlua Coffee Tiramisu
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Mascarpone, White Sugar, Coffee, Kahlua
This Kahlua Coffee Tiramisu is a boozy and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. The addition of Kahlua adds a rich and coffee-flavored kick to the traditional recipe. Layered with ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone filling, and dusted with cocoa powder, this dessert is perfect for adults and is guaranteed to impress. It's the perfect end to a dinner party or a special treat for yourself.
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Basic Cannoli
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
Cannolis are a classic Italian dessert, made with a crispy fried pastry shell filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta cheese filling. This recipe is a simple and delicious version of the traditional cannoli, perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Meringue Hazelnut Macarons with Chocolate...
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Confectioners Sugar, Sugar, Water, Egg
These delicate and elegant macarons are a must-try for any dessert lover. The Italian meringue and hazelnut flavors pair perfectly with a rich and decadent chocolate ganache filling. These macarons are sure to impress at any gathering.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These soft and chewy cookies are made with almond paste, giving them a rich and nutty flavor. They are perfect for a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea, or for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season.
Similar to biscotti, these Italian almond cookies are crispy and crunchy, with a hint of almond flavor in every bite. They are a classic Italian dessert and are perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or enjoying as an after-dinner treat.
These soft and fluffy cookies are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a unique texture and flavor. They are lightly sweetened and can be topped with a variety of toppings, making them a versatile and delicious dessert.
Sfogliatelle, also known as lobster tails, are a popular Italian pastry that are crispy and flaky on the outside, with a rich and creamy filling on the inside. This recipe is an authentic version of this beloved dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
This light and refreshing cake is made with ricotta cheese and lemon, giving it a tangy and creamy flavor. It is perfect for a summer dessert or for any occasion where you want something light and delicious.
This beautiful tart is made with fresh plums and a buttery crust, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It is a great way to showcase the seasonal fruit and is a stunning dessert for any special occasion.
This dense and creamy cheesecake is made with ricotta cheese, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It is the perfect dessert for any cheesecake lover and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Also known as snowball cookies, these traditional Italian cookies are buttery and nutty, coated in powdered sugar for a sweet and festive touch. They are a beloved dessert for weddings and other special occasions, but can be enjoyed any time of year.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
Today's cake is a delicious and refreshing Italian lemon ricotta cake, perfect for any occasion. The tangy lemon and creamy ricotta flavors make for a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please any dessert lover.
This decadent and indulgent cake is made with layers of chocolate cake, ricotta cheese, and custard, topped with a rich and creamy whipped topping. It is a perfect dessert for a special occasion or for treating yourself to something sweet and delicious.
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Italian Almond-Orange Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Granulated Sugar, Orange, Honey, Almond
These unique and flavorful cookies are made with almond and orange, creating a delicious and fragrant treat. They are perfect for a tea party or for enjoying with a glass of milk.
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Simple Tiramisu
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Mascarpone Cheese, Brewed Coffee
This classic Italian dessert is made with layers of ladyfingers, dipped in coffee and layered with a creamy and indulgent mascarpone cheese filling. It is a crowd-pleasing dessert that is surprisingly easy to make.
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Italian Almond Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Almond Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
This light and fluffy cake is made with almond flour, giving it a nutty and delicious flavor. It is a perfect dessert for those with gluten sensitivities, and is sure to impress with its simple yet elegant presentation.
Pignoli cookies are a beloved Italian treat, made with almond paste and topped with pine nuts for a delicious and unique flavor. They are perfect for gifting or for enjoying as a sweet and indulgent snack.
This rich and creamy cake is made with cream cheese and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
This indulgent and luxurious hot chocolate is a must-try for any chocolate lover. Made with high-quality chocolate and topped with whipped cream, it is the perfect treat to cozy up with on a cold day.
These simple yet delicious cookies are made with lemon zest and juice, giving them a bright and refreshing flavor. They are perfect for a light and citrusy dessert or for enjoying as a snack.
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Kahlua Coffee Tiramisu
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Mascarpone, White Sugar, Coffee, Kahlua
This twist on the classic tiramisu adds a touch of Kahlua for an extra kick of flavor. It is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or for treating yourself to something sweet and boozy.
Traditional Panettone
History of Panettone
Panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas bread that originated in Milan. Legend has it that in the 15th century, a Milanese nobleman fell in love with the daughter of a baker. To impress her, he disguised himself as a baker and created a sweet bread with raisins and candied fruits, which became known as panettone. Today, panettone is a staple dessert during the holiday season in Italy and around the world.
The Perfect Recipe
To make a traditional panettone, you will need flour, eggs, butter, sugar, yeast, and raisins and candied fruits. The dough is left to rise for several hours before being baked in a cylindrical mold. The result is a light and airy bread with a sweet and fruity taste. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Pro Tip: To make your panettone even more special, add chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist on this classic dessert.
Pandoro
What is Pandoro?
Pandoro, which translates to "golden bread," is another traditional Italian Christmas dessert. Originating from Verona, pandoro is a star-shaped sweet bread that is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow. It is a lighter and fluffier alternative to panettone, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
The Recipe
To make pandoro, you will need flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and yeast. The dough is left to rise multiple times, giving it its signature light and airy texture. After baking, the pandoro is dusted with powdered sugar and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries or a chocolate ganache.
Tiramisu
The History of Tiramisu
Tiramisu, which means "pick me up" in Italian, is a popular dessert that is enjoyed year-round in Italy. However, it has become a staple during the Christmas season as well. Rumored to have been created in the 19th century in Treviso, tiramisu is a decadent and creamy dessert that has gained popularity around the world.
The Perfect Tiramisu
To make a classic tiramisu, you will need ladyfingers, coffee, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder. The ladyfingers are dipped in coffee and layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. The dessert is then chilled and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. For a festive touch, add some crushed candy canes on top.
Pro Tip: To make a kid-friendly version, substitute the coffee with hot chocolate for a delicious twist on this classic dessert.
Conclusion
Italian desserts are a delicious and indulgent way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you prefer traditional recipes or modern twists, there's a dessert for every taste bud. From panettone to tiramisu, these Italian desserts will surely impress your loved ones and make your Christmas celebrations even sweeter. So why not try making one of these delicious desserts for your next holiday gathering? Your taste buds will thank you!