Tarallini: The Perfect Crunchy Treat for Valentine’s Day Gifts & Date Nights

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to express it than with a homemade treat? If you’re looking for a unique, delicious, and thoughtful gift or a charming snack for a cozy Valentine’s date, Tarallini—Italy’s beloved crunchy snack—are the perfect choice. 

To give it a lovely twist to these savory Italian snack, you can shape the dough into the traditional rings and also you can make "X's" shapes crackers, "XOXO.  

They are easy to make, have a delightful crunch, and pair beautifully with wine and cheese. Whether you wrap them up in a decorative jar with a ribbon or serve them on a romantic charcuterie board, Tarallini XOXO's will add a special touch to your Valentine’s celebration.

The traditional Tarallini are made with fennel seeds, but you can use the herbs of your choice and for this occasion I will be using dried rosemary. 

Homemade Tarallini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 g  wheat 00 flour
• 2 teaspoon sea salt, plus 1-2 teaspoon for boiling water 
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary, plus some extra for sprinkling
• 120 g extra virgin olive oil
• 220 g dry white wine 
• Water for boiling
• Chili flakes, pepper, fresh herbs, sesame for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, dried rosemary and paprika at slow-medium speed using the dough hook attachment for 1-2 minutes. Slowly trickle the olive oil into the bowl with the mixer still running.  Continue to mix until the oil has been fully incorporated.   About 2-3 minutes.  The mixture will look dry and crumbly.   Trickle the wine into the bowl, increase the speed to medium and continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes, until a ball is form , it will feel very soft and oily.  Wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes. 
2. 
3. Shape the Tarallini: Unwrap the dough and form a big log of dough.  Cut about 70 pieces of dough, 10 grams each aprox.  Roll each piece of dough between your hands to shape it into a long noodle, wrap it around your index and middle finger to form a ring by pinching the ends together.  To make the "X's", form a longer  noodle and cut in half and place on part of the noodle in top of the other one to form the X, pinching a little bit in the center. 
4. Boil the Tarallini: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tsp sea salt.  Drop a few Tarallini in at a time and cook until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them dry on a clean paper towel.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boiled Tarallini on a lined baking sheet, add paprika, chili flakes, fresh oregano leaves and more rosemary if you want.  This is the part where you can get creative and add which ever your heart desire.  and bake for 40-42 minutes or until the surface starts to turn golden. 
6. Cool & Package: Transfer  the Tarallini to a cooling rack and let them  cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. For gifting, place them in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon or a small heart-themed treat bag.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Valentine’s Gift Idea: Pack the Tarallini in a decorative jar with a handwritten love note.
• Romantic Date Night: Serve them on a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and a glass of wine.
• Sweet Variation: Add a touch of sugar and lemon zest for a lightly sweet version, perfect for dipping in chocolate.

Why Tarallini Make the Perfect Valentine’s Treat

✔️ Easy to make and store 

✔️ Unique homemade gift with a personal touch 

✔️ Deliciously crunchy and perfect for pairing with drinks 

✔️ A taste of Italy for a romantic evening

This Valentine’s Day, skip the store-bought chocolates and surprise your loved ones with these homemade Tarallini—a gift made with love and tradition. XOXO