Description
Sicilian-inspired ricotta cannoli squares blend creamy sweetness with crisp pastry layers, creating a delightful dessert that whispers Mediterranean charm. Delicate shells cradle rich filling, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible Italian classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (17.3 ounces / 490 grams) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained well)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal pastry baking.
- Gently stretch and roll the puff pastry sheets to create an even surface, then methodically slice each sheet into nine precise squares, resulting in 18 uniform pastry bases.
- Delicately position the pastry squares across the prepared baking sheets, ensuring adequate spacing between each piece.
- Apply a light, even coating of beaten egg wash over each square, which will enhance the golden color and create a beautiful sheen during baking.
- Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and allow the pastry squares to bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a rich golden color and signature puffy texture.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the pastry squares cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before further preparation.
Notes
- Choose high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture and golden color.
- Keep pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure maximum rise and crispness.
- Allow squares to cool completely before adding ricotta filling to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Experiment with mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or chopped pistachios in the ricotta for extra flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg