Sweet Half-Moon Pastries Recipe – Sfogliatelle Abruzzesi with Chocolate and Almonds

Sweet Half-Moon Pastries Recipe

This Sweet Half-Moon Pastries recipe brings together the rich flavors of grape jam, dark chocolate, and toasted almonds in a delicate puff pastry shell. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, host Michael Bonacini demonstrates how to transform simple ingredients into an elegant Italian dessert. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or entertaining, these pastries offer a crisp, buttery exterior with a sweet, fruity, and nutty filling that will impress family and guests alike.

The Inspiration

Sfogliatelle Abruzzesi are traditional pastries from the Abruzzo region of Italy, known for their crisp, layered texture and sweet, flavorful fillings. These pastries combine the buttery richness of puff pastry with the aromatic flavors of almonds, citrus, and chocolate, creating a dessert that is both elegant and approachable.

Michael Bonacini’s adaptation adds a modern twist by incorporating dark chocolate alongside traditional grape jam and almonds, enhancing the richness and depth of the filling. This recipe highlights the Italian tradition of balancing textures and flavors, from the flaky exterior to the soft, decadent center. It’s an example of how classic Italian desserts can be recreated in a home kitchen without compromising on flavor or presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry, room temperature
• ¾ cup (180 ml) grape jam or jelly
• ¼ cup (60 ml) toasted almond slices
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chunks of dark chocolate (or substitute with dark chocolate chips)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) orange zest
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• 1 egg, whisked, for egg wash
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Method

• Lay the puff pastry out flat. Roll it along the long edge into a pinwheel log. Chill in refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 F (205 C).
• Cut chilled pastry log into 8, roughly 1 ½ inch (4 cm), rounds.
• With a rolling pin, flatten slices into thin circles.
• In a bowl, fold together grape jam, almond slices, dark chocolate, orange zest, and cinnamon.
• Place some of the jam mixture in the centre of each of the thin pastry circles.
• Lightly brush egg wash along the outside edges of each circle as a ‘glue’.
• Fold pastry over around the jam mixture into half moons. Gently pinch along the edges to seal.
• Shape the half-moons into crescent moons by pulling the two tips back towards each other so the flat edge becomes curved.
• Transfer the shaped pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
• Remove and let cool. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.
• Buon appetito!

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet Half-Moon Pastries are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them warm as a decadent breakfast treat alongside coffee or espresso, or present them as a dessert at brunch or dinner parties. Their crisp, buttery exterior and sweet, nutty filling make them ideal for festive gatherings, holidays, or special celebrations.

For a complete Italian-inspired brunch, pair the pastries with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a small scoop of gelato. They also pair beautifully with sweet dessert wines such as Moscato d’Asti or Vin Santo. The combination of textures—from the flaky pastry to the rich, gooey filling—offers a luxurious eating experience that feels both indulgent and celebratory.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Half-Moon Pastries recipe is a celebration of Italian baking and tradition, combining classic flavors with modern enhancements. Michael Bonacini’s version brings together a crisp puff pastry shell, fruity grape jam, aromatic orange zest, crunchy toasted almonds, and rich dark chocolate for a dessert that’s both visually stunning and delightfully flavorful.

Whether serving at a holiday gathering, a casual brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner, these pastries offer a sophisticated way to showcase Italian culinary heritage at home. The balance of textures and flavors makes them memorable, while the relatively simple preparation ensures that home cooks can recreate this traditional pastry without stress.