If you have a soft spot for flaky pastries and creamy, sweet fillings, you are going to adore this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe. It combines the delicate flakiness of puff pastry with the smooth richness of ricotta and the irresistible bursts of melted chocolate chips. This easy yet impressive treat takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it the perfect cozy snack or a delightful addition to any brunch spread. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a luscious homemade pastry without any fuss or fancy skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the buttery flakiness of the puff pastry to the creamy tenderness of ricotta, and the sweet, slightly crunchy finish from sugar — each element is essential to make these pastry squares shine.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery base that makes each square irresistibly light and crisp.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy moisture and a gentle tang, giving the pastries their signature soft center.
- Chocolate Chips: For those melty pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the ricotta.
- Coarse/Turbinado/Demerara Sugar: Sprinkled on top, it adds a subtle crunch and a golden caramelized finish after baking.
- Egg (whisked): Used as an egg wash to give the pastry a shiny, golden-brown crust that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by setting out your frozen puff pastry 30 minutes before assembling your squares to allow it to thaw gently at room temperature. If you’re pressed for time, just follow the quick thaw instructions on the pastry box. This step ensures your pastry will be pliable and easy to cut without cracking.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Pastry Squares
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface, and using a pizza cutter or dough cutter, slice it into 9 equal squares. No rolling pin needed here, which makes this recipe super accessible. Then place each square onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Step 3: Add the Ricotta Cheese
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese into the center of each puff pastry square. Gently spread the ricotta into an even little circle, but keep it about 1 to 2 centimeters away from the edges so it doesn’t seep out while baking.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the exposed pastry edges with the whisked egg. This wash will give your squares that beautiful golden shine and an appealing crust. Be careful to avoid brushing the ricotta to keep its creamy texture intact.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Sugar
Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips over the ricotta on each square. Then dust the top of each piece with your chosen coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and sweet finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your squares in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the puff pastry becomes delightfully flaky. The aroma while baking is absolutely heavenly and will get everyone excited for a taste.
How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey complements these squares beautifully. You can also add a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color that brightens your serving plate.
Side Dishes
These pastry squares pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect brunch or afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the squares on a wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream and chocolate sauce nearby for dipping. Or stack them in a charming pastry tower for a touch of elegance at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their flaky texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these pastries later, you can freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to one month and are perfect for quick treats whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat the squares in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the pastry soggy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta is ideal for its mild flavor and creamy texture, but you can experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer taste. Just keep in mind the moisture content as it might affect baking time slightly.
Is it necessary to use coarse sugar on top?
While not mandatory, coarse sugars like turbinado add a lovely crunch and sparkle to the pastries. You can skip it or use regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
Can these pastry squares be made gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free puff pastry alternative if available, but results might vary in terms of flakiness and rise. Always check the packaging and baking instructions for best results.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate chips without making a mess?
The chocolate chips melt beautifully as the pastry bakes, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that are perfectly contained by the puff pastry so there’s little mess. Just make sure not to overload the squares to avoid spillover.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds can add crunch, and dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries can bring a tart contrast. Sprinkle them over the ricotta along with chocolate chips before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to pull together yet feels special enough for any occasion. Its perfect balance of creamy, flaky, and sweet elements makes it a personal favorite to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a staple in your pastry repertoire!
Print
Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, a simple and elegant treat combining flaky puff pastry with creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly golden and sprinkled with coarse sugar, these squares offer a delightful balance of texture and flavor, ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 Puff Pastry Sheet, thawed
Filling
- 9 Tablespoons (135g) Ricotta cheese
- 9 Tablespoons (126g) Chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse/turbinado/demerara sugar (or a pinch on each square)
Glaze
- 1 egg, whisked
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Set out your frozen puff pastry about 30 minutes prior to assembling these squares. If short on time, follow quick thaw instructions on the box to ensure it’s pliable but still cold.
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Unroll the puff pastry on a clean surface and cut into 9 equal squares using a pizza cutter or dough cutter, no rolling pin needed. Transfer these squares onto a parchment-lined baking pan to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Add Ricotta Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese in the center of each square. Spread it gently into an even circle, ensuring you stay 1-2 centimeters away from the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the exposed edges of the pastry squares with the whisked egg. Avoid brushing the cheese center so it can bake evenly and remain creamy.
- Top with Chocolate Chips and Sugar: Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips evenly over the ricotta on each square. Then, sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sugar on the exposed pastry edges and chocolate chip topping for a subtle crunch and shimmer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and flaky. Watch closely toward the end to avoid over-browning. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, keep the puff pastry cold until just before baking to achieve maximum flakiness.
- You can substitute the coarse sugar with regular granulated sugar if turbinado is unavailable.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture combination.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven for best freshness.
- Feel free to experiment by adding fresh fruit or nuts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
