Giada De Laurentiis' Top Italian Christmas Desserts

Posted by Mardi Michels on November 23, 2017

Sweeten up the holiday season with a selection of decadent Italian desserts from Giada De Laurentiis. From traditional treats like crunchy biscotti to an unexpected take on tiramisu, there are countless options to start baking up today – including a few new Italian ideas for your holiday cookie exchange.

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Hot Chocolate Affogato

This rich, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/warm-cozy-fall-drinks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">warm, cozy drink</a> is like an ice cream float, only your mug is filled with sweet and decadent hot chocolate, topped with a scoop of your favourite ice cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-chocolate-affogato/17639/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Hot Chocolate Affogato</a>
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Chocolate Amaretti Cookies

Light and airy, these chocolatey almond cookies contain no flour, meaning as long as you check your cocoa powder, these cookies are perfect for your friends with gluten allergies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-amaretti-cookies/20880/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Chocolate Amaretti Cookies</a>
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Mascarpone Cannoli Cheesecake

Embrace this new take on the classic Italian dessert that starts with a crunchy almond-biscotti base topped with a cheesy, baked filling, studded with chocolate chips. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/recipe/mascarpone-cannoli-cheesecake/20945/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Mascarpone Cannoli Cheesecake</a>
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Tiramisu Icebox Torta

Just because it is chilly outside, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a flavourful icebox dessert. Make this coffee-flavoured torte ahead of Christmas and store in the fridge until after Christmas dinner for a lovely light, layered dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tiramisu-icebox-torta/20942/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Tiramisu Icebox Torta </a>
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Honey Ricotta Cheesecake

This mouth-watering cheesecake is made with whole milk, ricotta and clover honey. Top it with fresh, juicy fruit for a delicious holiday treat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/honey-ricotta-cheesecake/15454/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Giada De Laurentiis' Honey Ricotta Cheesecake</a>
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Mascarpone Sorbetto With Rosemary Honey

The Italian version of French sorbet, this mascarpone, rosemary and honey-flavoured sorbetto is the perfect combination of sweet, tart and creamy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mascarpone-sorbetto-with-rosemary-honey/17045/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Mascarpone Sorbetto With Rosemary Honey</a>
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Raspberry Prosecco Tulip

Call it a cocktail or dessert — either way, don’t call us late for dessert if you are serving this bubbly-filled jelly. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/recipe/raspberry-prosecco-tulip/20119/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Raspberry Prosecco Tulip</a>
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Chocolate-Pistachio Fudge Tart

Even those who plan on skipping dessert will be tempted by the sheer sight of this rich and indulgent tart. This is the kind of treat that will disappear in no time, as you go back to sneak bite after bite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giada-in-italy/recipe/chocolate-pistachio-fudge-tart/17049/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate-Pistachio Fudge Tart</a>
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Grapefruit Zabaglione Over Mixed Berries

Zabaglione is an Italian dessert typically made with eggs, sugar and sweet wine, but Giada went kid-friendly with this version by using grapefruit juice, adding a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet fruit and sugary egg mixture. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grapefruit-zabaglione-over-mixed-berries/16450/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grapefruit Zabaglione Over Mixed Berries</a>
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Chocolate-Almond Cheesecake

Topped with a brown sugar almond crumble, Greek yogurt takes the place of cream cheese in this chocolate graham cracker and almond-coated cheesecake. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-almond-cheesecake/17594/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate-Almond Cheesecake</a>
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Holiday Biscotti

Biscotti are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie exchange or dessert table. Encourage your cookie exchangers to dunk these Italian cookies finished with white chocolate and colourful sprinkles into their morning coffee. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/holiday-biscotti/17444/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Holiday Biscotti</a>
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Raspberry Tiramisu

If you're a fan of the wildly popular Italian tiramisu, you're going to love Giada's fruity version featuring fresh raspberries and rich mascarpone whipped cream. It's a lovely twist on a classic for the holidays. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raspberry-tiramisu/15455/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Raspberry Tiramisu<</a>/strong>
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Chocolate Candy Cane Tower

This show-stopping dessert is impressive and festive on any holiday table! To create this chocolate-mint tower, chocolate pancakes are layered with cream cheese and peppermint frosting for an indulgent dessert that's a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-candy-cane-tower/17687/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Candy Cane Tower</a>
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Mascarpone Cheesecake With Almond Crust

Cheesecake is always a hit for dessert — but this combination is stunning. An almond-and-graham-cracker bottom is topped with creamy mascarpone and cream cheese filling and drizzled with chocolate hazelnut sauce in this show-stopping dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mascarpone-cheesecake-with-almond-crust/15482/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Mascarpone Cheesecake With Almond Crust</a>
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Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge

Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry are all you need to make this rich and delicious cinnamon-chocolate treat to add to your holiday dessert repertoire. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cinnamon-chocolate-fudge/19335/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge</a>
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Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Buttery chocolate shortbread is studded with chewy dried cherries, making these cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table (or even for your holiday cookie exchange). Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-cherry-shortbread-cookies/18962/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies</a>
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Chai Chocolate Truffles

Giada’s chocolate truffles are a holiday treat extraordinaire, bursting with the deep, rich taste of dark chocolate infused with spicy chai tea. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chai-chocolate-truffles/17547/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chai Chocolate Truffles</a>
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Pound Cake With Limoncello Zabaglione

Bring a little zing to your pound cake! This recipe adds a simple, citrusy sauce and mixed berries to fluffy pound cake to elevate a classic dessert to a whole new level for holiday entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pound-cake-with-limoncello-zabaglione/17050/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Pound Cake With Limoncello Zabaglione</a>
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