Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that’s equal parts creamy, flaky, and chocolatey, look no further than these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both elegant and irresistibly homey. Imagine buttery puff pastry cradling a sweet ricotta and chocolate chip filling, all baked to golden perfection—these squares are the kind of bake you’ll want to share with friends, but might just end up keeping for yourself! Whether you’re making them for a brunch, a holiday tray, or a cozy night in, Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares will become your new dessert obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating the dessert’s magic. The pastry gives a crisp, airy shell, while the filling is rich and creamy with just the right pop of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, with a little tip for each:
- Puff pastry sheet: The secret to a flaky, buttery crust—make sure it’s thawed just enough to handle easily.
- Ricotta cheese: This brings a luscious, creamy texture that balances the crisp pastry and chocolate chips.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any grittiness—plus, it’s perfect for a final dusting.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the ricotta filling with warm, aromatic notes.
- Mini chocolate chips: These melt beautifully within the filling and ensure chocolate in every bite.
- Egg: Whisked for an egg wash, it gives those pastry squares a gorgeous golden finish.
- Milk: Mixed with the egg to thin the wash and help it brush on smoothly.
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness right before serving.
How to Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your pastry from sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Having everything ready to go from the start sets you up for a smooth, stress-free baking session.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate chips are evenly distributed. This luscious filling is the heart of your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, bringing a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pastry’s crunch.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×10 inch square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide it into 9 smaller squares. The even portions make for perfect little bites, and rolling the pastry ensures maximum flakiness.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Pastry Squares
Place a generous spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Gently fold the corners toward the center, leaving a little opening so some filling peeks out—this gives each pastry a rustic, inviting look. No need to seal them tightly; the open folds add to their charm.
Step 5: Egg Wash for Golden Perfection
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create your egg wash. Brush it lightly over the exposed edges of each pastry square. This step is key for getting that beautiful, bakery-style golden sheen when you bake your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Arrange the filled pastry squares on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish. Each bite is a blend of crisp pastry, creamy ricotta, and melty chocolate—pure joy!
How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares
Garnishes
Topping your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares is as fun as making them. A simple dusting of powdered sugar always looks elegant and adds a touch of extra sweetness. For a little color, try scattering a few fresh berries around the plate or adding a mint sprig. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon can give them a show-stopping finish.
Side Dishes
These pastry squares pair wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso or a frothy cappuccino, especially if you’re serving them for brunch or dessert. For a slightly more decadent spread, offer them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla gelato—the creamy, cool contrast is truly delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make these squares extra special. Stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a party, or serve them individually on small plates with a few chocolate chips and a dusting of cocoa powder. You can even serve them warm with a little bowl of raspberry sauce or whipped cream on the side for dipping, turning Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares into a truly interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The pastry will soften slightly, but a quick reheat will bring back some of that fresh-baked crispness.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These pastry squares freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To revive the flakiness of your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry chewy rather than crisp. A quick oven refresh brings them back to life and makes them taste just-baked.
FAQs
Can I use full-size chocolate chips instead of mini?
Mini chocolate chips are best because they distribute evenly throughout the ricotta filling, ensuring every bite is chocolatey. Full-size chips can be used in a pinch, but the texture might be a bit chunkier and could make folding the pastry a little trickier.
Is it possible to make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filled, unbaked pastry squares and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before they go into the oven for maximum shine and flakiness.
Can I add extra flavors to the filling?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or a little orange zest stirred into the ricotta filling gives the Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares a new twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorite extracts or spices—just keep the balance of flavors in mind.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky layers, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try using crescent roll dough or even phyllo dough (layered with butter). The texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still get a delicious result.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the ricotta filling isn’t too wet—drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before mixing. Also, bake the pastries until they’re deeply golden and crisp on the edges to help seal in the creamy filling and keep the bottoms flaky.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a plate of freshly baked Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares with people you love. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat but just fancy enough for a celebration. Give them a try the next time you want to impress—or just make your own day a little sweeter! Let these delightful squares become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Print
Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastry squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, a luscious Italian dessert featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy ricotta, sweet powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these squares offer a harmonious balance of rich flavors and indulgent texture, ideal for a special treat or elegant gathering.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×10 inch square. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut this square into 9 smaller equal squares.
- Fill Pastries: Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture into the center of each pastry square. Carefully fold each corner of the square towards the center, creating an open envelope shape without fully sealing it to allow for puffing.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with the milk in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with this mixture to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared pastry squares onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a delicate touch of sweetness and presentation flair.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the ricotta filling to enhance the warm, sweet profile.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal flakiness and creaminess.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat in the oven or toaster oven before serving to revive their texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
