Description
Delightful Ricotta Cannoli Squares featuring a crisp puff pastry base topped with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling enhanced by cinnamon, vanilla, and optional chocolate chips and pistachios. These elegant no-fry, baked treats offer the luscious flavor of classic cannolis in a quick and easy square form, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if using fresh ricotta)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into approximately 9 equal squares, adjusting size depending on your sheet.
- Bake the crust: Place the pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each square with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and orange zest if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended for a luscious filling.
- Assemble the squares: Once the puff pastry squares have cooled, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto the center of each square. Spread the filling gently, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain a neat presentation.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios over the ricotta filling on each square if desired. These add delicious texture and flavor contrast.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Use fresh puff pastry for the best puff and flakiness.
- Optional toppings like pistachios and chocolate chips enhance both flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- These squares are best enjoyed the same day they are made for optimal crispiness.
- For variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting orange zest with lemon zest.