Authentic Italian Sfogliatelle Ricce Recipe

Learn how to make authentic Sfogliatelle Ricce, a traditional Italian pastry that features layers of flaky dough filled with a sweet ricotta cream. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering pastries from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these Sfogliatelle Ricce are sure to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 250g all-purpose flour
• 50g unsalted butter, melted
• 100ml cold water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 300g ricotta cheese
• 150g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• For the Syrup and Topping:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, cold water, and salt. Mix well until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and candied orange peel in a separate bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta filling evenly onto the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Starting from the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the log into slices about 1 inch thick.
8. Place each slice on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press down on each slice with your fingers to create a shell-like shape.
9. Repeat steps 5-8 with the remaining dough and filling.
10. In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar for the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
11. Generously brush each sfogliatella with the syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from the oven and let the sfogliatelle cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar and serve.
13. Enjoy your homemade Sfogliatelle Ricce!

Interesting Facts