Festive Italian Pastries to Share This Holiday Season

The holiday season is about joy, tradition, and, of course, delicious desserts. For those who love both flavor and history in their sweets, few treats are more fitting than traditional Italian pastries. From flaky layers to creamy fillings and regional specialties, Italian pastry brings a touch of elegance and indulgence to your festive table.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, planning a holiday brunch, or looking for edible gifts to impress your foodie friends, Nicola’s Marketplace has everything you need to enjoy the most iconic Italian pastries at home — no passport or pastry chef required.

Why Italian Pastries Are Perfect for the Holidays

In Italy, desserts aren’t just served after dinner — they’re often the centerpiece of holiday celebrations. Many traditional pastries are tied to regional rituals and cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Here’s why Italian pastries belong on your table this season:

- Versatile serving options: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon espresso
- Perfect for sharing: Designed to be passed around and enjoyed communally
- Rooted in tradition: Each pastry reflects a slice of Italian culinary heritage
- Visually beautiful: Distinct textures, golden crusts, and rich fillings

Italian Pastries to Enjoy This Season

1. Cannoli

A staple of Italian dessert culture, cannoli are beloved for their crisp pastry shells and sweet ricotta-based filling. Nicola’s Marketplace offers both full-sized cannoli and the bite-sized Cannoli Kiss — perfect for grazing platters or gifting.

Pro tip: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with crushed pistachios for a festive touch.

2. Cornetti (Italian Croissants)

Italy’s take on the classic croissant, cornetti are slightly denser and sweeter than their French cousins. Ours come in a variety of decadent flavors, including:

- Chocolate Hazelnut
- Pistachio Cream
- Traditional Pastry Cream
- Apricot Jam
- Almond Cream
- All-Butter Classic

These are perfect for holiday brunches or enjoyed alongside a warm cappuccino.

Sfogliatelle (Take & Bake)

Straight from Naples, sfogliatelle is one of Italy’s most iconic pastries. Its paper-thin, layered shell encloses a filling of sweet ricotta and citrus zest — crisp on the outside, creamy and fragrant within.

Nicola’s Marketplace offers a take-and-bake version of this beloved Italian pastry sfogliatelle, so you can enjoy this delicacy fresh from your own oven.

Biscotti (Soft Baked)

Unlike traditional biscotti that are twice-baked and extremely crunchy, our biscotti are soft-baked for a more delicate texture that still offers a satisfying bite. Available in seasonal flavors and great for pairing with espresso or packaging as gifts.

Gift tip: Stack a few in a clear bag, tie with ribbon, and include a jar of Italian coffee beans for an easy gourmet gift.

Serve, Gift, and Celebrate

Italian pastries are more than dessert — they are a way to celebrate, connect, and share in something meaningful. Whether you’re baking fresh sfogliatelle, gifting Cannoli Kiss, or assembling a breakfast tray of filled cornetti, the pastries of Italy bring joy to every table.

Hosting Tips:

- Combine flaky, creamy, and soft-baked textures for a varied dessert platter
- Serve with espresso, cappuccino, or a dessert wine like vin santo
- Use festive trays or platters to highlight each pastry’s visual appeal

Make the Holidays Deliciously Italian

At Nicola’s Marketplace, we make it easy to bring authentic Italian pastries into your home with chef-crafted, small-batch selections made from clean, simple ingredients. Whether you’re gifting, hosting, or treating yourself this season, our pastry offerings are designed to delight.

Shop the full pastry collection at www.nicolasmarketplace.com and give the gift of real Italian tradition this holiday season.