Authentic Sfogliatella Napoletana

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Water

1 cup

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup

Ricotta cheese

2 cups

Sugar

1 cup

Egg yolk

1

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Candied orange peel

1/4 cup, finely chopped

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to form a dough.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. After resting, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Brush it evenly with melted butter, then roll it up tightly like a jelly roll. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and finely chopped candied orange peel to create the filling.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Take out the dough from the refrigerator and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. Roll out each slice into a thin circle.
7. Spoon a portion of the ricotta filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
8. Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.