Zucchette di Pasta Sfoglia
Category: Sweets
Serves: 6
If you’re looking for a fun and delightful dessert to add a little autumn charm to your table, these Zucchette di Pasta Sfoglia (Puff Pastry Pumpkins) are a perfect choice. Inspired by the traditional carved pumpkins of Halloween, these pastry treats are filled with a sweet orange marmalade and topped with a golden sugar glaze that is sure to impress both adults and kids alike. These delicate puff pastry squares are easy to prepare and even easier to devour, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon snack or as a charming addition to your holiday dessert spread. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create these festive Zucchette!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 230g |
| Orange Marmalade | 350g |
| Brown Sugar | 70g |
| Egg Yolk | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Begin by rolling out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want to keep the dough slightly chilled to ensure that it retains its flaky texture while baking.
-
Cut the Squares:
- Use an 8 cm round cookie cutter to cut out 12 squares from the pastry sheet. Discard any excess dough.
-
Carve the Pumpkin Faces:
- For half of the squares, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to create small pumpkin faces. Think classic Halloween designs with two small eyes and a curved mouth. If you’re unsure of the design, you can create a stencil by cutting out the shapes from a piece of cardboard. This way, you can easily trace the shapes onto the pastry squares.
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Assemble the Pastry:
- Brush the edges of the intact puff pastry squares with a little water. This will help them adhere to the top layer.
- Place a spoonful of orange marmalade in the center of each of the intact squares.
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Top and Seal:
- Now, carefully place the carved puff pastry squares on top of the ones filled with marmalade, aligning the edges. Press down gently to seal the pastry.
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Brush and Sugar:
- Whisk the egg yolk with a tiny bit of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the filled pastry squares to give them a golden finish as they bake.
- Sprinkle the top of each pastry with brown sugar for an extra sweet, caramelized crunch.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pastry for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the Zucchette di Pasta Sfoglia to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days if you’re planning to enjoy them later.
These Zucchette di Pasta Sfoglia are a delicious and visually delightful treat that will capture the spirit of Halloween in every bite! The combination of flaky pastry, sweet orange marmalade, and a crunchy sugar topping makes them an irresistible dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a little something special, this recipe is sure to please. Happy baking!
