Sfogliatelle Layered Pastries With Sweet Filling

Italian Christmas celebrations are full of delightful and decadent treats that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season. Among these festive delights are the beautiful and delicious Sfogliatelle Layered Pastries with Sweet Filling. These traditional pastries are a true labor of love, with their delicate layers and rich, sweet filling making them a standout at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a taste of Italy this Christmas, these Sfogliatelle pastries will surely delight your taste buds.

**Sfogliatelle Layered Pastries With Sweet Filling**

**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1 cup cold water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and candied citrus peel until well combined. Set the filling aside.

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

5. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface into a thin rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into smaller rectangles, about 4 inches long.

6. Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling at one end of each dough rectangle. Starting at the end with the filling, carefully roll up the dough into a spiral shape, tucking in the edges as you go. Place the rolled pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until all the pastries are assembled and on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp.

8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm or at room temperature. These Sfogliatelle Layered Pastries are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made.

Mastering the art of making Sfogliatelle Layered Pastries with Sweet Filling may take practice, but the results are well worth the effort. These elegant pastries are a delicious addition to any Christmas celebration, offering a taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Impress your loved ones this holiday season with these delightful treats that are sure to become a new tradition at your festive gatherings. Buon Natale!