Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet utterly delicious treat, you’ve got to try this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe. I stumbled upon this combo on a lazy Sunday, and it quickly became my go-to for a quick dessert or fancy snack that impresses without a ton of effort. Imagine flaky puff pastry, creamy ricotta, and melty chocolate chips all baked to golden perfection — sounds pretty fantastic, right? Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through how I make mine every single time with great success.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: Just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes is all it takes from start to finish.
- Balanced Flavors: The tangy ricotta perfectly offsets the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a harmonious bite.
- Flaky Delight: Puff pastry gives you that wonderful flaky texture without rolling or fussing with dough.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a casual coffee date – everyone loves them!
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find but together create something pretty magical. Each element plays its part, and I always recommend using good-quality ricotta for the creamiest texture and fresh puff pastry for the flaky layers.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: The base of this recipe; buttery and flaky, making your squares feel bakery-quality with minimal effort.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a subtle tang and creamy richness—opt for whole-milk ricotta if you can.
- Chocolate Chips: Sweet melty pockets of joy; I prefer semi-sweet for balance, but use your favorite!
- Coarse Sugar (turbinado or demerara): Adds a lovely crunch and sparkle on top, elevating each bite.
- Egg (for egg wash): Helps achieve a shiny golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how forgiving this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is, letting you tweak it to your liking. Over time, I’ve played with the sweetness and mix-ins, and you should absolutely make it your own.
- Add a Twist of Citrus: Once, I stirred a teaspoon of lemon zest into the ricotta — absolutely refreshed the flavor and gave it a lovely brightness.
- Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkling chopped toasted almonds or walnuts on top before baking adds texture and richness (plus, it’s a lovely surprise!).
- Dairy-Free Swap: You can substitute the ricotta with a vegan cream cheese if you want to make it dairy-free—just expect a slightly different texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Preheat
Start by letting your frozen puff pastry sit out for about 30 minutes to thaw—no one wants to work with frozen dough! If you’re in a hurry, just follow your package’s quick thaw instructions. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This gently warm temp melts that chocolate perfectly while crisping the pastry layers.
Step 2: Cut and Prep Your Squares
Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 9 even squares with a pizza cutter or dough cutter — I promise, you won’t need a rolling pin. Transfer these to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spreading them too close will make them stick, so give each square some breathing room.
Step 3: Add Ricotta and Egg Wash
Drop about 1 tablespoon of ricotta in the center of each square. Spread it gently in a little circle, leaving a border of 1–2 cm so the pastry can puff nicely without spilling over. Then brush the exposed pastry edges with your whisked egg wash—that’s the secret to a shiny, golden crust.
Step 4: Sprinkle Chocolate & Sugar
Scatter roughly a tablespoon of chocolate chips over the ricotta on each square — no need to be perfect, I love how the chips melt and swirl into the cheese in unexpected patterns. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of coarse sugar over everything; it adds sparkle and a tiny crunch that’s so satisfying.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Watch closely towards the end because everyone’s oven is a little different. I usually peek at minute 12 to make sure my squares aren’t overbrowning.
Pro Tips for Making Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It’s what gives your pastry that irresistible golden sheen and extra crispness.
- Keep Ricotta Dry-ish: Drain any excess liquid from your ricotta with a paper towel before using — too wet and your pastry might get soggy.
- Cut Even Squares: Using a pizza cutter makes this fast and neat; uneven pieces can result in uneven baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between squares ensures maximum flakiness as the pastry puffs up.
How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple — a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey tops the squares beautifully. For a fresher touch, thinly sliced strawberries or a sprig of mint adds color and a bit of zing.
Side Dishes
These pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. For something heartier, I like serving them alongside a mixed berry salad or a small bowl of yogurt with granola.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange the squares on a wooden board lined with parchment, interspersed with fresh fruit and edible flowers. It makes a charming dessert platter everyone wants to dig into, and the rustic look fits any casual or festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the puff pastry starts to lose its lovely flakiness, so eat soon for the best texture.
Freezing
Want to freeze them? Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully and will keep well for up to 1 month. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your squares in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 7-10 minutes to revive that flake and warm the chocolate. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crispness — I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned soggy!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ricotta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ricotta works best because it’s creamier and less watery. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid with a paper towel so your pastry doesn’t get soggy.
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Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
You can prep them up to the baking step and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash and add chocolate chips right before baking for best results.
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What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike a perfect balance with the ricotta’s mild tanginess, but feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
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Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Feel free to sprinkle nuts, cinnamon, or even a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before baking to elevate the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe has become one of my favorite quick baking hacks. It looks like you spent ages on something decadent, but really, it’s a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps away. I’m always excited to share it with friends and family—once you try it, I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like me!
Print
Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 Pastry Squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delightful Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares made with flaky puff pastry, creamy ricotta cheese, and sweet chocolate chips, topped with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for a perfect crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 Puff Pastry Sheet, thawed
Filling
- 9 Tablespoons (135g) Ricotta cheese
- 9 Tablespoons (126g) Chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse/turbinado/demerara sugar or a pinch of sugar on each square
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Set out your frozen puff pastry about 30 minutes prior to assembling these squares. If you don’t have time to let it thaw, follow the quick thaw instructions on the box.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F/177C.
- Cut Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 9 squares using a pizza cutter or dough cutter. No rolling pin required! Transfer the dough squares to a parchment-lined baking pan.
- Add Ricotta: Place about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese in the center of each square, spreading it out in an even little circle, keeping 1-2cm away from the edges of the square.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the whisked egg wash, avoiding the cheesy center.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Sugar: Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips on each square, then sprinkle all squares with coarse sugar.
- Bake: Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350F/177C for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown and perfectly flaky.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed for easy handling and best puffing.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate or dried fruit for variation.
- Use cold egg wash for a glossy finish and careful not to get it on the ricotta to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover squares in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain flakiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pastry Square
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
