We made it! Well, almost. With Lent drawing to a close, those of us who walked the harrowing path of a sugar-free 40 days will soon be able to feast again on decadent treats. And where better to find the perfect pastry and most colorful cookies than your local Italian bakery?
At America Domani, we took the time to put together a quick guide to tasty goodness that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out six of our favorite sugary snacks to stock up on this Easter holiday…
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Tricolore (Rainbow Cookies)
Mimicking the appearance of the Italian flag, with stacks of red, white and green sponge, tricolore were popularized by immigrant bakers in the early 1900s and are a proud reminder of our Italian heritage.
Despite their Rainbow title, these sweet offerings are not cookies at all, but thin slices of almond cake layered with raspberry and apricot jam and coated with chocolate. Scrumptious by any name!
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle was created in a 17th century monastery in the province of Salerno; however, it was popularized by a chef from Naples who acquired the recipe and began selling them in his shop in 1818.
The traditional pastry consisted of thin layers of crunchy dough filled with semolina flour and ricotta-based cream, although like many other pastries, there are now numerous filling variations.
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Pignoli
This iconic Sicilian cookie is popular throughout southern Italy and revered within many Sicilian communities in the United States.
Made with almond paste, egg whites, and the finest pine nuts, this soft moist cookie is considered a standard among Italian sweets and is quite a luxury. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and expresso for an enhanced gastronomic experience.
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Cannoli
Few can resist a cannolo. Perhaps the most recognized and beloved of Italian confectionery, this deep-fried pastry dough is filled with a rich, sweet, creamy ricotta, candied fruit, grated chocolate, and pistachio.
It was created in Sicily between 827 and 1091 A.D. when the island was under Arabic rule and its Middle Eastern influence is undeniable.
Originally associated with Carnavale, a pre-Lenten festival, the cannolo is the pinnacle of Italian American desserts enjoyed throughout the year.
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Italian Sandwich Cookies
A perennial favorite consisting of two buttery cookies and a filling of raspberry or apricot jelly, the sandwich cookie is a canvas for all your baking aspirations.
Variations in the U.S. include creamy hazelnut filling, a chocolate-dipped portion, and sprinkles, though a more simple version is common within the Italian region of Calabria. Whichever you opt for, they're all melt-in-the-mouth delicious!
(Photo Credit: Villabate Alba Bakery)
Cuccidati
The classic fruity fig-stuffed cookie consists of pastry dough filled with a combination of walnuts, dates, honey, spices, and orange or apricot jam in addition. The pastry is then often covered in icing and topped with rainbow sprinkles.
A Sicilian specialty, this much loved recipe dates back to Muslim rule, with a predecessor recorded during Roman occupation of the island.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.