Treat your family and friends to one of these tempting and authentic Italian holiday desserts to add a deliciously sweet touch to festive meals!

The holiday season in Italy is celebrated with traditions steeped in family, flavor, and festive joy, and no Italian celebration is complete without something sweet. Italian holiday desserts are more than just treats—they’re cherished symbols of love and togetherness. Whether it’s a simple biscotti enjoyed with espresso or a rich, layered Tiramisu to share with family, each dessert tells a story of the region it hails from and the generations who have perfected its recipe.

Italian holiday desserts can be incredibly simple and rustic or elegant showstoppers. Some, like Zeppole, are a Christmas Eve treat. Others, like Panettone, are perfect for Christmas breakfast.

Make a big batch of Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti, Pizzelle or Calzoncelli to share with friends. Or, wrap them up in a pretty box or basket as a special homemade gift for some lucky person (they also make a great host gift!).

Finish Christmas dinner with a delightful slice of Italian cake: Torta Della Nonna, Torta Caprese, or—my favorite!—Torta di Nocciole.

Embrace the Italian spirit of “dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothing—and savor these treats. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these desserts promise to bring the Italian holiday spirit to your table in the most delicious way.

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1. Torta di Nocciole (Hazelnut Cake)

by Food Nouveau

Italian hazelnut cake is a super easy Italian holiday dessert to make, yet it tastes elegant, rich, hearty, and comforting. Great on its own, but just fantastic with a spoonful of homemade chocolate hazelnut spread!

2. Torta Caprese

by Familystyle Food

Torta Caprese is a moist, light gluten-free chocolate almond cake recipe inspired by the Italian island of Capri. This dense flourless chocolate cake has a moist texture, and is rich with chocolate flavor. The recipe was inspired by a classic recipe from the Italian Amalfi Coast.

3. Torta della Nonna

by XOXO Bella

Make an authentic torta della nonna recipe for a borderline addictive taste of Tuscany. This custard tart or pie with Italian pastry cream is a must-try for lovers of rustic desserts. The textures are a heavenly combination of flaky, sweet pastry dough and a creamy center topped with pine nuts – so crunchy! This Italian custard pie (also known as grandmother’s cake when translated) looks incredibly pretty on your lunch or dinner spread. It is a classic Italian dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

4. Panforte

by Marcellina in Cucina

Panforte is a decadent, rich fruitcake and an Italian favourite. Originally from Siena, this traditional sweet can now be found throughout Italy and beyond. A chewy confection full of nuts and fruit, it is perfect served with coffee.

5. Panettone

by XOXO Bella

Panettone, or Italian Christmas bread, is a festive Italian holiday dessert. Although traditional Italian panettone requires many ingredients and steps, this recipe is straightforward. This sweet bread, similar in texture to brioche, is baked with dried fruits and served for Christmas breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack.

6. Cannoli

by Mangia Bedda

The most iconic Sicilian dessert is cannoli! The best cannoli are filled with a lightly sweetened ricotta cream filling. Follow step-by-step instructions to make the best cannoli shells with this authentic recipe directly from Sicily. There’s nothing like homemade!

7. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

by Food Nouveau

These crunchy Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti combine a luxurious, festive combination of flavors: Orange, cranberry, and pistachio. Nobody can resist these irresistibly crunchy cookies!

8. Pizzelle Cookies

by Yummy Yummy Kitchen

Pizzelle are thin, crisp, wafer-like cookies that aren’t too sweet and are delicious for dessert or with a cup of coffee. These cookies are so delicate and beautiful, and they always make a big impression!

9. Struffoli

by Christina’s Cucina

Struffoli is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert made with honey. Little balls of pastry are deep-fried and coated in honey—simply delicious! 

10. Calzoncelli

by Juls’ Kitchen

Calzoncelli are irresistible, small bites of chocolate and almond, with a gentle hint of lemon peel. The outer shell is super thin and crunchy, and filled with a chocolatey, moist filling. This Italian holiday dessert is the perfect edible gift!

11. Ravioli Dolce

by The Pasta Project

This ravioli dolce, meaning sweet ravioli, is a delicious traditional Italian recipe from the town of Pontebba in Friuli Venezia Giulia, near the border with Austria. Known as cjarsons, cjalsons or agnolotti di Pontebbe, these ravioli are a popular Italian holiday dessert in the mountainous alpine area of Carnia in Friuli.

12. Zeppole

by Christina’s Cucina

Zeppole or frittelle are traditional Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts made from a sticky, flavored version of bread dough. Once they’re ready, they’re nothing plain about them: they’re incredibly delicious and light!

13. Chocolate Salami

by Marcellina in Cucina

This Italian Chocolate Salami recipe is a fun, no-bake sweet. It’s a crunchy treat that is perfect for serving with an after-dinner coffee and the ideal chocolate dessert. This show-stopping dessert will have everyone guessing until they take their first delicious bite!

14. Chocolate Budino

by With Spice

Budino is a stiff Italian pudding that is just sweet enough to mellow the bitter cocoa. This rich Italian holiday dessert recipe is thickened only with eggs (no cornstarch or gelatin). Top with espresso cream and a pinch of crunchy salt.

15. Italian Hot Chocolate

by Familystyle Food

This thick, rich Italian-style hot chocolate is a luscious cold-weather treat (almost like a dessert!). It’s really easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in small cups with softly whipped cream for a decadent treat.