Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are a decadent twist on traditional Italian cannoli, combining crispy puff pastry with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling flavored with vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these elegant squares are ideal for parties, potlucks, or family desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Lightly roll out on a floured surface and cut into square shapes. Place squares onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
- Bake the Pastry Shells: Bake puff pastry squares in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack to keep them crisp.
- Make the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.
- Assemble the Squares: Once cooled, gently slice puff pastry squares horizontally to create top and bottom layers. Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling generously onto the bottom halves, then place the top layers over them to form neat squares.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled Classic Cannoli Squares for at least one hour to set the filling. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose high-quality fresh ricotta to elevate the filling.
- Drain ricotta overnight if watery to avoid soggy filling.
- Keep puff pastry cold and handle gently to preserve flakiness.
- Adjust powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- You can bake puff pastry shells in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg