Introduction
Hi, I’m Lina! I love baking recipes that bring a little travel magic to my kitchen without needing fancy tools or hours of stress. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight favorite like Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or a comforting dessert like Christmas Cookie Cheesecake for Holidays, I’m all about making delicious food feel easy and homey.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite Italian pastries, the Authentic Italian Sfogliatelle Recipe. These golden, shell-shaped pastries are filled with a creamy ricotta and semolina filling and layered into the most beautifully crisp and flaky dough.
If you’ve ever strolled through Naples or Amalfi and caught the scent of buttery pastry and orange zest, this recipe will bring that right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic bakery-style sfogliatelle made right at home
- Beautifully flaky layers that crunch with every bite
- Sweet, citrusy ricotta filling that’s rich but light
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or afternoon coffee
- Great make-ahead pastry, bake fresh anytime!
- Feels luxurious, but made from simple ingredients
- Smells incredible while baking, buttery and bright
Ingredients Breakdown
Flour
All-purpose flour creates that crisp structure. Knead well and rest for silky layers.
Butter
The secret to flaky pastry! Use good-quality unsalted butter, kept cold for the dough and softened for brushing between layers.
Ricotta Cheese
The creamy heart of every sfogliatella. Drain it well so your filling stays smooth, not watery.
Semolina
Cooked in milk until thick, it adds structure and that signature custard-like texture.
Sugar & Vanilla
Adds sweetness and warmth to balance the citrus.
Orange Zest & Candied Peel
Brings brightness and that authentic southern Italian flavor.
Cinnamon
A tiny pinch gives warmth without overpowering.
Egg
Used to bind the filling and help it set when baked.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Make the Dough
- Mix flour, a pinch of salt, and warm water until smooth.
- Knead for 10 minutes, then rest for 30.
- Roll into a very thin sheet (as thin as possible).
2. Butter and Roll the Dough
- Spread softened butter over the entire sheet.
- Roll tightly into a long cylinder like a jelly roll.
- Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
3. Prepare the Filling
- Heat milk and semolina over low heat until thickened.
- Let cool, then mix with ricotta, sugar, egg, vanilla, orange zest, and chopped candied peel.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Shape the Sfogliatelle
- Slice the chilled dough log into ½-inch rounds.
- Press each piece into a cone shape with your thumbs, forming layered “shells.”
- Fill with about 1 tablespoon of ricotta mixture, then seal the edges gently.
5. Bake Until Golden
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Shortcut version: Use store-bought puff pastry if you’re short on time (still delicious!).
- Flavor twist: Add chocolate chips or chopped pistachios to the filling.
- Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based ricotta substitute.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery finish.
Serving Suggestions (with internal links)
Sfogliatelle pair beautifully with cozy meals and coffee desserts. Try these SoolFood favorites alongside:
- Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder for a cozy lunch before dessert.
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies on a dessert board for sharing.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Baked Potatoes followed by warm sfogliatelle for family dinners.
- Christmas Cookie Cheesecake for Holidays for an Italian-inspired dessert buffet.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight tin for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for 4 days; reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to crisp up.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months or baked for up to 3 weeks.
Helpful FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Sfogliatella Riccia and Frolla?
Riccia has the layered flaky shell, while Frolla uses a shortcrust pastry, both are delicious!
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, it actually benefits from resting overnight in the fridge.
3. How do I get those perfect layers?
Keep the dough thin, the butter soft (not melted), and roll as tightly as possible.
4. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Absolutely! Just drain it well using cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
Authentic Italian Sfogliatelle Recipe – Flaky, Sweet & Homemade
- Total Time: 3 hrs
- Yield: 12 pastries
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Authentic Italian sfogliatelle with crisp buttery layers and creamy ricotta-orange filling.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter (softened for brushing)
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup semolina
1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp chopped candied orange peel
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Mix flour, salt, and water into a soft dough. Knead 10 minutes, rest 30 minutes.
2. Roll dough thin, spread with butter, and roll tightly into a log. Chill 2 hours or overnight.
3. In a saucepan, heat milk and semolina until thick. Cool slightly.
4. Mix semolina with ricotta, sugar, egg, vanilla, orange zest, and candied peel.
5. Cut chilled dough log into 1/2-inch slices. Press each into a cone shape with your thumbs.
6. Fill each cone with ricotta mixture and seal gently.
7. Brush with butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
8. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best flakes, roll dough very thin and chill well before baking.
Use orange blossom water for a floral note.
Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 2 months and bake fresh.
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
This Authentic Italian Sfogliatelle Recipe is pure love from Naples, crisp, buttery shells filled with creamy citrus ricotta. It’s not just a pastry; it’s an experience. Whether for a Sunday brunch or an elegant holiday treat, every bite feels like you’ve stepped into a cozy Italian bakery.