Best Pastry Recipes You Can Make at Home

Pastry Recipes from Italy and around the World You Need to Try

Pastry Recipes to make your heart smile! - ItalianCookies.com

Step into the delightful world of Italian pastries! Seriously, every bite has a story to tell, full of tradition, passion, and those unique regional flavors that make them so special. Think about the delicate crunch of Sfogliatelle or the creamy goodness of Cannoncini. Oh, and let’s not forget the festive vibe of golden Zeppole. Each of these recipes really captures the essence of Italian baking.

You’re going to work with classic ingredients. And the flavors? Just imagine zesty citrus, toasted nuts, and those silky custards melting in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping something up for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these Italian pastry recipes—yes, including a show-stopping Ricotta Cheesecake—are sure to inspire you and impress everyone who gets a taste. So, are you ready to dive in?

Italian Pastries

Mascarpone Cream

July 6, 2025

Mascarpone Cheese Is the Secret Ingredient Every Baker Loves Mascarpone cream, it’s not just any cheese. It’s like a little slice of heaven straight from Northern Italy! Can you believe it came from the beautiful Lombardy region way back in the 16th or 17th century? Back then, they made this luxurious delight by gently curdling fresh cream with some natural…

Italian Pastries

Crema Pasticcera: Italian Pastry Cream

June 21, 2025

Italian Pastry Cream (Crema Pasticcera): A Classic Dessert Staple Crema pasticcera, or Italian pastry cream, is a silky, custard-like filling used in many classic Italian desserts. It’s rich yet light, with a delicate vanilla flavor that complements both rustic and refined pastries. This iconic cream dates back to Renaissance Italy, when custard-based sweets gained popularity in aristocratic kitchens. Influenced by…

Desserts Italian Pastries

Zeppole: Italian Doughnuts

July 26, 2023

Zeppole: A Classic Italian Dessert Perfect for Festivals Zeppole (pronounced “zeh-po-lay”) are classic Italian doughnuts made from fried dough. They’re often served as light, golden fritters dusted with powdered sugar. The origin of zeppole goes back centuries in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Naples and Sicily. Traditionally prepared for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th, zeppole were…

Italian Pastries

Authentic Neapolitan Sfogliatelle

July 7, 2023

Sfogliatella: Naples’ Iconic Shell-Shaped Pastry Few pastries say “Naples” like the sfogliatella. Born in the 17th century in a convent near Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, this flaky, filled treat started as a clever way for nuns to use leftover semolina and ricotta. They mixed in sugar, dried fruit, and cinnamon, then wrapped it all in whisper-thin layers of dough….

Italian Pastries

Cannoli

July 7, 2023

Cannoli: A Classic Sicilian Dessert with a Rich History Ah, cannoli! They’re one of those desserts that just scream Sicily, don’t you think? These delightful treats have a fascinating backstory that goes way back to when the Arabs ruled the island, all the way from the 9th to the 11th centuries. Most food historians point to Palermo as the birthplace…