Sfogliatelle: A Delicate Italian Pastry

Sfogliatelle, a delightful Italian pastry, is renowned for its intricate shell-like shape and buttery, flaky layers. Filled with a sweet ricotta cheese filling, these pastries offer a lovely combination of textures and flavors.

This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to crafting these delectable treats at home, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of Italian pastry-making.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg yolk

For the Filling

• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup semolina
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Grated zest of 1 orange  

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt, then work in the butter until the texture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse sand. Gradually add the water and egg yolk, mixing until a dough forms. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, semolina, egg yolk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Pastries

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch square. Divide the dough into 8 evenly sized squares.

Create the Shell

For each square, make a diagonal cut from one corner to the opposite corner. Roll each triangle up tightly from the base to the point.

Fill the Pastries

Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center of each rolled-up triangle. Gently press the sides together to seal.

Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown hue.

Cool and Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips

• For a more authentic flavor, use semolina flour, which is a coarser-grained flour often used in Italian pastries.  
• To make the pastries even flakier, you can laminate the dough by folding it several times and refrigerating it between each fold.
• Sfogliatelle are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.

Conclusion

With its delicate layers and sweet ricotta filling, sfogliatelle is a true culinary masterpiece. By following this recipe, you can create these exquisite pastries in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat or a decadent dessert, sfogliatelle offers a taste of Italy that is sure to delight your senses.