Description
Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, a luscious Italian-American dessert featuring flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy ricotta and chocolate chip filling. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, these squares combine smooth ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla with a golden, flaky crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. Then, carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them without breaking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it slightly with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Cut Pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares to portion out the pastries evenly.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Place a heaping tablespoon of the ricotta and chocolate chip mixture in the center of each pastry square. You may fold the corners inward for a more enclosed shape or leave them open for a rustic appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top of each pastry square to encourage a shiny, golden-brown finish.
- Bake: Arrange the filled pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta cheese.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to the ricotta mixture.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, reheating them in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
