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Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling dotted with mini chocolate chips and brightened with orange zest. This elegant, easy-to-make dessert features layers of crisp pastry and a smooth, flavorful filling, finished with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar and optional chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch. Perfect for entertaining or an indulgent treat with coffee or vanilla gelato.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Sheets

  • 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed)
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Ricotta Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (well drained)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking perfectly crisp puff pastry squares.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut each sheet into nine equal squares for consistent baking and presentation.
  3. Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each square generously with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish after baking.
  4. Bake Puff Pastry: Bake the puff pastry squares in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are crisp and beautifully golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
  5. Make Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, orange zest, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  6. Assemble Cannoli Squares: Carefully slice the cooled puff pastry squares horizontally into two layers. Spread a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto the bottom layer of each square, then sandwich with the top layer of pastry.
  7. Garnish and Chill: Dust the tops of the assembled squares with confectioner’s sugar and sprinkle chopped pistachios if desired. Refrigerate the squares for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly to avoid soggy puff pastry.
  • Chilling the completed squares enhances the melding of flavors and firms up the filling for easier slicing and serving.
  • Use a gentle hand while cutting the puff pastry to preserve its delicate, flaky layers.
  • For a different flavor profile, substitute orange zest with lemon zest or switch powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup.
  • Try replacing mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variations in taste and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: classic cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, puff pastry dessert, Italian sweets, easy cannoli recipe

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/classic-cannoli-squares-recipe/