Profile

Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Catanese Sweet Panzerotti: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat

Catanese Sweet Panzerotti: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat

Discover the Catanese sweet panzerotti: crisp shortcrust pastry parcels filled with a luscious cocoa, orange, and cinnamon cream.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 50 minutes plus chilling time
🔥
Cook Time
around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 8
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ All year round
4.5/5

🛒 Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry

  • 500 g plain flour
  • 175 g caster sugar
  • 125 ml milk
  • 100 g unsalted butter or margarine
  • 100 g lard
  • 5 g baking ammonia (baker’s ammonia)
  • a pinch of salt

For the cocoa cream filling

  • 500 ml milk
  • 180 g caster sugar
  • 100 g cornflour
  • 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • zest of one organic orange, finely grated
  • ground cinnamon, to taste

For the finishing touch

  • Icing sugar, for dusting

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
180 kcal
Protein
3 g
Fat
9 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Sugars
9 g
Fiber
1 g
Sodium
80 mg

If you’re after a truly Sicilian start to the day, these Catanese sweet panzerotti are just the ticket — light, crisp shortcrust pastry parcels with a decadently creamy cocoa filling, fragranced with zesty orange and warming cinnamon. These irresistible treats will have you beaming as you greet the day with all the sun-soaked charm of Catania.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Make the shortcrust pastry by sifting the flour, then adding the sugar, butter and lard cut into cubes, baking ammonia and a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Work the mixture quickly, gradually adding a little milk until you get a smooth, firm dough.

  3. 3

    Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for about an hour.

  4. 4

    For the cocoa cream filling, warm the milk with the sugar in a pan. In a separate bowl, mix the cornflour and cocoa powder with a little cold milk to make a smooth paste.

  5. 5

    Stir this into the warm milk, whisking continuously over a gentle heat until thickened. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon, then leave to cool.

  6. 6

    Roll the chilled pastry out on a floured surface to about 5 mm thickness, and cut out two sizes of discs — roughly 7 cm and 10 cm.

  7. 7

    Place a spoonful of cocoa cream on each smaller disc, then top with the larger discs, pressing the edges firmly to seal.

  8. 8

    Arrange the panzerotti on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in a static oven at 180°C for around 20 minutes.

  9. 9

    Leave to cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra aromatic note, add a pinch of ground cloves to the cocoa cream. You could also switch up the filling with pistachio cream or sweet ricotta for a delicious twist.

📦 Storage

  • Keep the panzerotti in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
  • Alternatively, store them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture.
  • Warm them briefly in the oven to refresh their delicate crunch before enjoying.

🍷 Pairing

Serve these sweet Catanese panzerotti alongside a glass of Marsala Fine Ambra Secco — its rich, slightly toasted aroma beautifully complements the pastry’s sweetness and the citrus notes of the filling.

Give these delightful panzerotti a go at home — they’re the perfect way to bring a touch of Sicilian sunshine to your breakfast table. Whether shared with loved ones over a weekend brunch or enjoyed as a treat with your morning tea, they promise warmth, flavour, and a little bit of magic from Catania’s kitchen to yours.

Rate this recipe

Click or tap the stars to rate


Potrebbero interessarti anche: