Rafioli – Traditional Dalmatian dessert that everyone loves

If you’ve ever visited Dalmatia, you’ve surely heard of rafioli – one of the most famous and beloved traditional pastries in Croatian cuisine. Rafioli are sweet filled cookies whose recipes are passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own unique version. Below, discover the history of rafioli, what they actually are, and where you can buy them.

What are rafioli?

Rafioli are sweet crescent-shaped pastries, typically filled with a fragrant mixture of almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and rum. The dough is crumbly and delicate, perfectly complementing the rich filling. These cookies are often served with coffee or as part of a festive table, and they are also popular as a souvenir from Dalmatia.

There are various versions – the most well-known being Trogir rafioli, Makarska rafioli, and Sinj rafioli. They share a similar base but differ in details such as spices and dough thickness.

The history of rafioli

Rafioli have a long history dating back to the time of the Venetian Republic. It is believed that they were brought by Italian pastry chefs, and the people of Dalmatia adapted them to their own tastes and available ingredients. The earliest records of rafioli date back to the 17th century, and over time they have become an essential part of Dalmatian culinary tradition.

Rafioli were originally prepared only for special occasions such as weddings or holidays because they were made with expensive ingredients like almonds and rum. Their preparation requires a lot of time and skill, as shaping them neatly is not an easy task.

Where to buy them?

Adria and Deliiicije rafioli are filled with a mixture made by blending sugar, ground almonds, egg whites, egg yolks, orange, vanilla sugar, and pieces of chocolate. For an extra special aroma, cinnamon and a strong alcoholic drink are also added.

They come in beautiful Adria and Deliiicije boxes and make excellent gifts. Each package contains 6 handmade rafioli, with a total weight of 120 grams. You can buy them on the Deliiicije webshop and in all Deliiicije stores.