How to Prepare Traditional Italian Breakfast Sweets

If you're looking to explore the delightful world of Italian breakfast sweets, you're in for a treat. Traditional Italian breakfast pastries are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to start your day. In this article, we’ll walk you through the preparation of some popular Italian breakfast sweets, ensuring you can enjoy these culinary gems right at home.

1. Cornetti

Cornetti are a staple in Italian breakfast culture, similar to croissants but often sweeter and filled with various flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 100g sugar
  • 10g salt
  • 25g fresh yeast
  • 250ml warm milk
  • 100g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Filling of your choice (jam, chocolate, pastry cream)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, salt, and flour gradually to combine.
  2. Knead the dough until it is smooth, then incorporate the softened butter. Knead again until well mixed.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 1 cm thick. Cut into triangles.
  5. Place your chosen filling at the base of each triangle and roll them up, forming a crescent shape.
  6. Arrange the Cornetti on a baking tray. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the Cornetti with the beaten egg and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

2. Torta della Nonna

Torta della Nonna, or "Grandmother's Cake," is a creamy custard tart topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 100g butter (cold, diced)
  • 50g sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 250ml milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 50g sugar (for custard)
  • 20g corn starch
  • Vanilla extract (to taste)
  • Pine nuts (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. To make the crust, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a mixing bowl and knead until crumbly. Add the egg and form a dough.
  2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. For the custard, heat milk in a saucepan. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and corn starch until smooth. Gradually add hot milk to this mixture, return to the heat, and stir until it thickens. Add vanilla extract and let it cool.
  4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough and line a tart pan.
  5. Fill the crust with the cooled custard and sprinkle with pine nuts.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

3. Biscotti

Biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee, making them an ideal accompaniment to a traditional Italian breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 150g sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 100g almonds (whole or chopped)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla. In another bowl, beat eggs and mix