Description
Enjoy these Classic Cannoli Squares, a delightful twist on the traditional Sicilian pastry. Flaky puff pastry layers cradle a creamy ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips, offering a no-fuss, shareable dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional)
- 3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
- Extra chocolate chips (optional)
- Extra powdered sugar, for final dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets. If needed, lightly roll them out to fit the baking sheet. Place one sheet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the puff pastry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the pastry cools, prepare the cannoli filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and citrus zest (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Once the baked puff pastry is completely cool, spread the cannoli filling evenly over the pastry layer, leaving a small border.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filling. Lightly brush the top pastry with the beaten egg wash and dust with powdered sugar.
- Bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the top pastry layer is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let the cannoli squares cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust the top with more powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips, if desired.
- Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dessert into squares. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Ensure your ricotta cheese is very well-drained to prevent a watery filling. You can drain it overnight in a cheesecloth-lined sieve.
- For the best texture, allow the cannoli squares to chill for at least an hour before slicing.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with different nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40-50mg