Pasta Frolla (Italian Pastry Dough)

This simple recipe for Italian sweet dough is used for torte, crostate, or even plain for cookies. It has a bit of baking powder which makes it light and fluffy. Italians love their lemon zest and it really shines in this dough. Make sure your lemon is organic and/or states that the peel is edible. The dough can be frozen for up to one month.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 pastry dough
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 4 cups Italian-style tipo 00 flour

  • 2 medium eggs

  • ¾ cup superfine sugar

  • 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

  • 1 medium lemon, zested

  • 1 stick cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes

  • 5 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  1. Put the flour in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center. Add eggs, 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon zest. Mix by hand, working in circles, pulling in the flour little-by-little until all the ingredients are incorporated into a dough.

  2. Add 1 stick plus 5 tablespoons cubed cold butter and baking powder. Quickly work the dough with your hands until a smooth ball is formed.

  3. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before rolling out.

Cook's Notes:

The original Italian recipe is in metric. If you have a scale, please measure out: 500 grams Italian tipo 00 flour, 180 grams fine white sugar, and 180 grams unsalted cold butter.

If you're using the dough for pies and crostate, blind bake the crust by poking a few holes in the bottom and bake for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Cool, fill, and use remaining dough to cover or cut into decorative pieces. Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) until browned and bubbly.

If you're using the dough for cookies, cut into 3-inch shapes, bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Many people like to dip one half of the cooled cookies into melted chocolate or they drizzle them with melted chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

487 Calories
21g Fat
67g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 487
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 12g 62%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 83mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 67g 24%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 9g 18%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 63mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 101mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.