Italian sweets
Italy boasts a confectionery tradition that's as rich and varied as its cuisine, with regional specialties and timeless classics.
Iconic Italian Sweets and Delicacies
Torrone is a classic Italian nougat, typically made with honey, egg whites, and toasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. It's especially popular during the Christmas season. Another festive staple is panettone, a dome-shaped sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruits and raisins, originally from Milan. A popular, everyday treat is confetti, sugar-coated almonds often given out at weddings and other celebrations.
Italy is also famous for its chocolate, particularly from cities like Turin, which is considered a chocolate capital. Gianduiotto, a hazelnut-chocolate praline wrapped in gold foil, originated here. The country is also the birthplace of iconic brands such as Ferrero, creators of the famous Ferrero Rocher pralines and Nutella, the world-famous hazelnut-cocoa spread. Other common treats include cannoli, crispy fried pastry tubes filled with creamy ricotta cheese, and gelato, a denser, richer version of ice cream.
