Discover how to make Sfogliatella, the iconic Italian pastry known for its crisp, flaky layers and sweet ricotta cheese filling with hints of candied fruit. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create this delectable treat at home, perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this classic Italian favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

- ½ cup sugar

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ¼ cup cold water

For the Filling:

- 2 cups ricotta cheese

- ½ cup powdered sugar

- ¼ cup candied fruit, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Assembly:

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.

  - Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.

  - Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, candied fruit, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Pastries:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin rectangle.

  - Spread a thin layer of filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  - Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces.

  - Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Finish and Serve:

  - Allow the Sfogliatella to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

  - Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the layers of flaky pastry with sweet ricotta filling!

This homemade Sfogliatella is a wonderful way to experience a beloved Italian pastry in your own kitchen.

Nutritional values

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: About 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Provides the primary structure of the dough.

 - Rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy.

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

 - Calories: About 810 kcal

 - Fat: 92g

 - Saturated Fat: 58g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.

 - Source of fat and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.

½ cup sugar

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Sweetens the dough.

 - Provides quick energy through simple carbohydrates.

¼ teaspoon salt

 - Sodium: 575mg

- Benefits:

 - Enhances the flavor and improves the texture of the dough.

¼ cup cold water

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Helps to bring the dough together and manage its consistency.

For the Filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese

 - Calories: About 300 kcal

 - Protein: 14g

 - Fat: 24g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

 - Provides a creamy texture and a good source of protein and calcium.

 - Contains vitamins A and B12.

½ cup powdered sugar

 - Calories: About 200 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and smoothness to the filling.

¼ cup candied fruit, finely chopped

 - Calories: Varies depending on the type, but generally around 100 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 25g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.

 - Contains some vitamins and minerals, though often high in sugar.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Provides a pleasant flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants.

1 teaspoon lemon zest

 - Calories: About 1 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh, bright flavor.

 - Contains vitamin C and antioxidants.

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

 - Calories: About 72 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Helps to seal the dough and gives a golden color to the baked product.

 - Adds protein and fats to the dish.

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 8g

Benefits:

 - Adds a sweet finish to the dish.

 - Provides visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.

The dough is rich and buttery, contributing to a tender and flaky texture. The filling combines creamy ricotta cheese with sweet elements like powdered sugar and candied fruit. The egg wash helps in achieving a golden finish, and the powdered sugar dusting adds an extra layer of sweetness.