Italian bakeries are often known for their bread. Indeed, different types of Italian bread are unique and delicious. However, bread is not the only thing Italians bake. If you visit an Italian bakery, you should also look at its selection of pastries. Here are some of the most popular and delicious Italian pastries to order.

Pasticciotto

Pasticciotto could be considered an Italian version of the eclair. It's a puff pastry made with a light, fluffy dough. However, most Italian bakeries make it with lard rather than butter, which makes the pastry a bit softer than the French pastry used for eclairs and the like. The pastry is made in an oblong shape and stuffed with pastry cream. Here's the unique part: it's usually served hot. Some pasticciotto are small and you can pick them up, and others are larger and best eaten with a fork. The combination of tender dough and sweet, melty pastry cream is incredible.

Bombolini

Bombolini is becoming quite popular in Italian bakeries in the United States, perhaps because they remind patrons of another favorite: the donut. Bombolini does look like filled donuts. However, they are so much more tender and delicious than the average donut. The dough itself is tender, flaky, and coated in the lightest layer of sugar. The filling is typically chocolate cream, although some bakeries use fruit preserves. There's usually just enough filling to flavor the bombolini. Some bakeries make small versions and sell them in sets of three.

Zeppole

Zeppole are like an Italian version of fried dough. Traditionally, they were served in March as a part of a religious celebration, but some Italian bakeries now make them year-round. Zeppole are a couple of inches across. The dough is quite sweet, and it is served on a plate, topped with pastry cream and cut fruit. Some bakeries may instead put a mixture of ricotta cheese and honey on top.

Chiacchiere

Chiacchiere are little, fried pieces of crispy dough. They look a bit like ravioli, but there is nothing inside of them. The perforated edges get nice and crispy, and they cling to the powdered sugar used to top them. Sometimes, these are served with molten chocolate for dipping, and other times they're enjoyed solo.

If you visit an Italian bakery that makes pastries, keep an eye out for these options. Each one is unique, but they are all delectable in their own ways, and they're all worth trying. Visit a local Italian bakery to learn more.

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