If you adore the indulgent flavors of Italian desserts but crave a simpler and quicker way to enjoy them, this Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the creamy, dreamy ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips sandwiched between layers of golden, flaky puff pastry that bake up crisp and light. It captures all the magic of traditional cannoli but in convenient, buttery squares that are as charming on a dessert plate as they are irresistible to your taste buds. Once you try this easy yet elegant treat, it will quickly become a beloved staple for gatherings and cozy nights alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in bringing together the perfect balance of rich, sweet, and textured flavors that make this dessert so special. None are complicated or obscure, which means the magic lies in their quality and harmony.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Provides a buttery, flaky foundation that crisps beautifully when baked.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained): Creates a smooth, creamy filling that’s light yet luscious.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling delicately without weighing it down.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances all other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Offers a subtle hint of spice, adding depth to the ricotta mixture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Bring delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures the pastry browns evenly with a gorgeous golden shine.
- Optional toppings (chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips): Provide a crunchy texture and a pretty finish.
How to Make Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those squares from sticking. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry just enough to smooth it out. Then, carefully cut it into 9 equal squares to create perfect little canvases for your delicious filling.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry Squares
Place your cut pastry squares neatly onto the lined baking sheet. Brush each square with the beaten egg wash; this simple step is what yields that irresistible golden-brown finish everyone will admire. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the squares have puffed up and turned beautifully golden. Let them cool completely so they are easier to handle in the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
While your pastry is cooling, mix together the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Beat these ingredients until the filling is smooth and creamy. The secret to perfect texture here is making sure the ricotta is well-drained, so it’s thick and not watery—wrapping it in cheesecloth or paper towels for about 30 minutes works wonders. Once combined, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to avoid breaking the chips apart.
Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Squares
Carefully slice each cooled puff pastry square horizontally like a sandwich to create a top and bottom half. Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously spread or pipe the ricotta filling onto the bottom half of each square. Place the top half right on top, creating a charming layered treat that’s easy to enjoy.
Step 5: Chill and Add Finishing Touches
Pop your assembled squares into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to let the filling set and the flavors meld. Just before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar and sprinkle chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips if you want an added pop of color and texture—totally optional but so worth it!
How to Serve Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these squares even further, I love adding a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a bit of crunch and a vibrant green contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar is a simple way to give them a pretty finish that invites everyone to dig in. If you’re serving a crowd, extra mini chocolate chips on top look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Though these squares stand beautifully on their own, pairing them with rich espresso or a sweet dessert wine brings out their best qualities. Fresh berry compote or a small bowl of whipped cream also complement their creamy, chocolate-studded centers perfectly, making for a more indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert platter, arrange the squares on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint and edible flowers. Serving them in mini dessert cups with a dollop of filling on the side introduces a playful twist. You can even alternate layers of the squares with fresh fruit slices in a trifle-style presentation for a showstopper dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because puff pastry is famously crisp fresh out of the oven, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ricotta filling fresh. While the pastry may soften slightly overnight, the squares remain delicious and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, you can freeze the baked pastry squares before assembling. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw fully before filling with the ricotta mixture and assembling so they maintain a crisp texture.
Reheating
To revive any leftovers, especially if the pastry softens, gently warm the squares in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and affect the creamy filling’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture, part-skim ricotta can be used if needed. Just make sure it is well-drained to avoid watery filling, which can affect the final consistency.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free or vegan?
To keep the flavor and texture close to the original, try substituting with a vegan ricotta alternative and plant-based puff pastry. Keep in mind the texture will be different, but it can still be delicious!
How do I make sure the puff pastry stays crisp?
Make sure not to add filling until just before serving or chilling. Storing assembled squares for too long can soften the pastry because of moisture from the filling. Reheating in the oven also helps revive crispness.
Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped candied orange peel, mini chopped nuts, or dried fruit can all be folded into the ricotta to create new flavor combinations and textures.
What is the best way to drain ricotta cheese?
The easiest way is to place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels over a bowl and let it drain in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This removes extra moisture for a thicker, creamier filling.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that makes Italian-inspired dessert easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible. It blends flaky, buttery pastry with a luscious, sweet ricotta filling in a way that’s both approachable for weeknight baking and impressive enough for guests. If you’re craving something cozy yet sophisticated, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon have a new favorite to turn to again and again.
Print
Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ricotta Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on traditional cannoli, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and creamy ricotta mixture blended with chocolate chips and subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon. These easy-to-make Italian-inspired dessert squares bake to golden perfection and are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a decadent treat at home.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Layer
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Ricotta Filling
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional: chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a floured surface to smooth it. Cut the sheet evenly into 9 equal squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the top of each puff pastry square with the beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish once baked. Bake them for 12–15 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Cool and Split Pastry: Let the baked puff pastry squares cool completely. Then gently slice each square horizontally like a sandwich, creating a top and bottom half for filling.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Assemble Squares: Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling generously onto the bottom half of each cooled puff pastry square. Place the top half over the filling to create a sandwich.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled squares for 20–30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and optionally sprinkle chopped pistachios or additional chocolate chips on top for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling. Wrap in cheesecloth or paper towels and let it drain for 30 minutes if necessary.
- For the crispiest texture, serve the squares the same day they are made.
- Chilling the squares before serving helps the filling to firm up and enhances flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips can be substituted with finely chopped dark chocolate for variation.
- If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
