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Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares combine the flaky, buttery puff pastry with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling enhanced by chocolate chips, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon. This delightful dessert is easy to prepare, bake, and assemble, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or a special homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

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

      • Ricotta Filling

    • 2 cups ricotta cheese (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, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the puff pastry squares to a perfect golden crisp.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into nine equal squares to create the base and top for your cannoli squares.
  3. Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the squares spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish once baked.
  4. Bake Pastry: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is crisp and beautifully golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
  5. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, orange zest, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined, creating a luscious creamy filling.
  6. Assemble Cannoli Squares: Carefully slice each cooled pastry square horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Spread a generous layer of ricotta filling on the bottom pieces, then place the top squares over the filling to sandwich them.
  7. Garnish and Chill: Lightly dust the assembled cannoli squares with confectioner’s sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios, if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and filling to set before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent a runny filling; place it in a fine sieve or cheesecloth and let it drain for several hours.
  • Optional garnishes like pistachios add texture and visual appeal but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
  • For a flavor variation, try substituting honey or maple syrup for powdered sugar, or using lemon zest instead of orange zest.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for the best freshness.
  • Handle puff pastry gently and keep it cold while working to ensure maximum flakiness.

Nutrition

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

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