10 Italian Pastries You Can Make with Store-Bought Dough

If you're craving delightful Italian pastries but don’t have the time to make your own dough from scratch, using store-bought dough is a fantastic solution. Below are 10 delicious Italian pastries you can whip up quickly and easily using pre-made dough.

1. Cannoli
These classic Sicilian pastries are a crowd favorite. Start with store-bought cannoli shells and fill them with a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance.

2. Sfogliatelle
Using puff pastry, you can create these flaky delights filled with a sweet ricotta and semolina mixture flavored with orange zest. Shape the dough into a shell and bake until golden brown for a delightful treat.

3. Italian Cream Puffs (Bignè)
Store-bought choux pastry makes it easy to create airy cream puffs. Fill them with pastry cream or whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate for a rich finish.

4. Tarts with Fresh Fruits
Utilize pre-made pie crusts to create a stunning fruit tart. Fill the crust with pastry cream, then top with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits. Glaze with apricot preserves for added shine.

5. Zeppole
These Italian doughnuts are typically filled with cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Use store-bought dough to form the pastry, fry until golden, and fill with pastry cream or jam for a sweet indulgence.

6. Frittelle
Frittelle are sweet fritters that can be made from various doughs. Use store-bought pizza dough or sweet dough to create fritters, and flavor them with dried fruit or sweet ricotta before frying them to perfection.

7. Crostata
This Italian dessert tart features a delicious pastry crust filled with jam of your choice. Whether you opt for apricot, cherry, or a mix of berries, store-bought dough makes preparing crostata a breeze.

8. Bomboloni
Create Italian doughnuts filled with custard or jam using store-bought dough. Shape, fry, and coat them in sugar for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.

9. Pasticciotto
This regional pastry from Puglia consists of a filled pastry case. Use store-bought shortcrust pastry to encase a creamy custard filling, then bake until golden for a comforting dessert.

10. Apple Strudel
Though traditionally Austrian, the flavors suit Italian cuisine beautifully. Use store-bought filo dough to layer with apples, cinnamon, and sugar, then bake until crispy. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of gelato.

With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can indulge in a variety of Italian pastries without the hassle of making your own dough. Store-bought dough offers convenience and allows you to focus on creating delicious fillings and toppings. Try these out for your next gathering or a sweet treat at home!