Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares are pure magic in every bite—crisp golden puff pastry envelopes a creamy, sweet ricotta filling studded with melty chocolate chips. The moment you pull these beauties out of the oven and shower them with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, the entire kitchen will smell like a little slice of Italian heaven. Whether you serve these as a cozy weekend treat, a dessert for company, or a sweet addition to brunch, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares proves just how simple it is to create an irresistible pastry at home. Each item plays a specific role: the puff pastry brings flakiness, the ricotta gives it that dreamy, creamy center, and chocolate chips add bursts of indulgent flavor.

• Puff pastry: Store-bought makes life easy and puffs up into irresistible golden layers.
• Ricotta cheese: Go for whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture—drain it well for thickness.
• Powdered sugar: Adds a sweet, silky note to the filling and makes a pretty dusting.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warm aroma and rounds out all the flavors.
• Lemon zest (optional): Lifts the whole dessert with a hint of brightness—highly recommended!
• Mini chocolate chips: Melt just right and ensure chocolate in every bite—miniatures are best so they don’t weigh down the filling.
• Egg: A quick egg wash gives the pastry a gorgeous gloss and color.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Makes them look bakery-fancy and adds the final kiss of sweetness before serving.

How to Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this high heat is key for perfectly puffed, golden squares. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup effortless and guarantee that nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like (the zest adds such a fresh touch). Stir until everything is completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps left behind. Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the luscious mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Pastry Squares

Unroll your thawed sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully slice it into 9 equal squares. If you want to get precise, use a ruler—each square should be about 3×3 inches. Arrange the squares on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out for room to puff up.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Spoon a generous dollop of the ricotta chocolate chip filling into the center of every square. For a cozy effect, gently tuck the corners in toward the center (but don’t worry about being perfect; a rustic, open-face look is just as beautiful). This flexibility is one reason Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares are so fun to make!

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

With a pastry brush or your fingers, sweep the beaten egg along the exposed edges of each square to help them bake up with a beautiful sheen. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, watching as the pastry transforms into golden, puffy perfection.

Step 6: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar

Let your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares cool for five minutes; the filling sets up a bit and you won’t burn your mouth on molten chocolate. Last but not least, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Try not to sneak a taste at this stage—they’re hard to resist!

How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares

Garnishes

A flourish of powdered sugar just before serving is the classic finish—they look irresistible, like bakery-window temptations. For a little extra zing, you can even sprinkle a few additional mini chocolate chips or microplane a whisper of lemon zest over the top before your guests arrive.

Side Dishes

Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares pair beautifully with fresh berries or orange segments for a light, juicy side. If you’re serving them for brunch, a simple fruit salad or a dollop of lightly whipped cream turns it into a swoon-worthy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the squares on a tiered cake stand for an elegant party display, or plate individually with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra drama. They also make wonderful edible gifts—just wrap in parchment and tuck into a pretty box for a homemade sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (by some miracle) you have leftovers, store your cooled Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The pastry may soften a little in the fridge, but the flavor holds up beautifully.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Stored this way, they keep well for up to a month. To serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares is a quick trip in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings the pastry back to its crisp, fresh-baked state. Avoid microwaving, as it may leave the pastry chewy rather than flaky.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, you can use part-skim ricotta, but whole milk ricotta yields a richer, creamier filling. If you use part-skim, make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid a runny filling.

What’s the easiest way to drain ricotta?

Line a small colander with a few layers of paper towel or cheesecloth, set it over a bowl, and let the ricotta sit in the fridge for an hour. This helps draw out excess moisture so your squares don’t end up soggy.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix the ricotta chocolate chip filling a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Stir it well before filling your pastry squares to redistribute the chocolate chips evenly.

Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check your labels to confirm!

Can I add different mix-ins or toppings?

Definitely! You can jazz up your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares with chopped pistachios, dried cherries, or even a drizzle of espresso glaze. Let your creativity run wild.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, impressive, and packed with comfort, Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares are about to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or as a sweet treat later in the week, they always deliver that just-one-more-bite feeling. Give them a whirl—you’ll be hooked from the very first taste!

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