Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

Hey friend, if you love easy, delicious treats that feel like a cozy hug, you’re going to flip over this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe. It’s one of my absolute faves because it’s super quick to whip up, yet wonderfully impressive and gooey inside with just the right hint of chocolate and creamy ricotta. Whether you need a last-minute dessert or a special breakfast treat, this recipe’s got you covered—let me show you exactly how to make it perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity & Speed: You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to have these golden squares in your hands.
  • Perfect Balance: Creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with melty chocolate chips nestled inside flaky puff pastry.
  • Customizable Touch: Sprinkle with your favorite sugar for a caramelized crunch or swap chips for nuts or berries.
  • Reliably Flaky Texture: Starting with the right puff pastry and using an egg wash guarantees golden, irresistible layers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a starring role without fuss. The puff pastry’s flakiness is the canvas, ricotta brings creamy texture, and chocolate chips offer sweetness that melts just right. Pick fresh ricotta and quality chocolate chips for the best results—your taste buds will thank you!

Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, easy pastry dessert, quick chocolate dessert, creamy ricotta pastry, flaky puff pastry treats - Flat lay of a sheet of thawed puff pastry with visible flaky layers, a small mound of creamy white ricotta cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate chips, a few coarse golden turbinado sugar crystals scattered neatly near them, and one whole uncracked brown egg placed gently on the side, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Puff Pastry Sheet: I always grab a high-quality sheet from the freezer section; it’s buttery and puffs up so gloriously when baked.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Fresh, whole-milk ricotta works best for creaminess, not watery or overly dry, to keep the filling tender.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips hit the perfect sweet spot but feel free to use mini chips if you want more even melting!
  • Coarse Sugar (Turbinado/Demerara): This adds a lovely crunch and sparkly finish on top—totally worth it for that extra tactile pleasure.
  • Egg: Just one, whisked to a simple egg wash—it’s the secret to a shining, perfectly browned crust.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to experiment with this recipe, and you should too! It’s versatile enough to handle small tweaks without losing its charm. Sometimes I swap half the chocolate chips for chopped toasted nuts for a little crunch, or add a hint of orange zest to the ricotta for a bright twist. Play around and make it yours.

  • Ricotta Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon directly into the ricotta before assembling—I promise it’s magic.
  • Chocolate Variety: Dark chocolate chips give a richer taste, while white chocolate creates a sweet, mellow flavor.
  • Seasonal Flair: Swap chocolate chips for fresh berries or chopped dried fruit for a fruity alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

Step 1: Thaw & Prep Your Puff Pastry

I always set my frozen puff pastry out about 30 minutes before I start to let it thaw gently at room temperature. If you’re in a rush, follow your package’s quick-thaw instructions (usually a brief microwave burst is safe). You want the dough soft enough to cut easily but still cool to handle—trust me, no one likes sticky, tearing dough!

Step 2: Cut & Arrange the Squares

Once the dough is ready, unroll it on a clean surface or parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter or dough scraper (I swear by my pizza cutter here), slice the pastry into 9 equal squares—no rolling pin needed! Transfer those squares gently onto a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick or lose their shape.

Step 3: Fill & Brush

Spoon about a tablespoon of ricotta right into the center of each square, spreading it gently in a circle but leaving about 1-2cm space from the edges. This little gap is crucial to keep your filling from oozing out while baking. Next, take your whisked egg and lightly brush the exposed pastry edges—not on the cheese, just the dough—to create that glorious golden shine and help the sugar stick.

Step 4: Sprinkle Chocolate & Sugar

Now scatter roughly a tablespoon of chocolate chips over each ricotta pool. Don’t be shy here—it’s the melty treat that steals the show. Finally, sprinkle a touch of coarse sugar on top. This sneaky step adds a caramelized crunch and a little sparkle once baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Flaky

Pop your tray into a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the squares should puff up beautifully and turn a perfect golden brown. That’s when you know your Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is ready to enjoy fresh out of the oven.

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Pro Tips for Making Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

  • Don’t Overfill the Ricotta: Too much filling will leak and make your square soggy—stick to about a tablespoon and spread within the edges.
  • Keep Your Hands Cool: Puff pastry gets sticky when warm, so try to work quickly or chill your dough again if it softens too much while shaping.
  • Even Chocolate Distribution: Use mini chocolate chips if you want little pockets of melty chocolate throughout each square.
  • Watch the Bake, Not the Clock: Oven temps vary, so look for a puffy, golden crust rather than relying only on time for perfect results.

How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, easy pastry dessert, quick chocolate dessert, creamy ricotta pastry, flaky puff pastry treats - The image shows several square-shaped puff pastries on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three main layers: the base layer of flaky, golden-brown puff pastry with visible crispy edges; the middle layer of soft, white cream cheese filling spread thickly and unevenly in the center; and the top layer of scattered dark chocolate chips placed mostly on the cheese filling, adding a rich contrast in color and texture. The pastries appear warm and freshly baked, with a shiny, slightly glossy finish on the pastry edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust a little powdered sugar over these squares right before serving—simple, elegant, and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering. Sometimes I add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing contrast, especially if we’re having these for brunch.

Side Dishes

This ricotta and chocolate combination pairs amazingly well with fresh fruit salad (berries are my favorite) or a lightly brewed cup of coffee or tea. For breakfast, a side of creamy yogurt or even a dollop of whipped cream amps up the indulgence factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these squares on a tiered serving platter lined with fresh edible flowers or dust the entire plate with cocoa powder. Wrapping each square in a colorful parchment wrap makes a charming gift or party favor that your friends will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature only if I plan to eat them the same day; otherwise, refrigerate to keep the ricotta fresh. They stay delicious for up to 2 days if properly covered to avoid drying out.

Freezing

These pastry squares freeze surprisingly well! I flash-freeze them on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—a handy trick for busy mornings!

Reheating

To keep that flaky crust crisp, I reheat my leftover squares in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes rather than the microwave, which tends to make puff pastry soggy. This revives the lovely texture we all crave.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh homemade ricotta for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Homemade ricotta works wonderfully here—just make sure it’s strained well so it’s not too watery, which can make the pastry soggy. A thicker ricotta filling keeps the squares creamy without losing structure.

  2. What type of puff pastry is best for Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe?

    I recommend using a high-quality frozen puff pastry sheet with lots of butter in the ingredients for flavor and puffiness. Brands like Pepperidge Farm or store brands labeled ‘all-butter’ puff pastry are perfect and easy to find.

  3. Can I make these gluten-free?

    Great question! Making this recipe gluten-free requires a gluten-free puff pastry, which some specialty stores carry. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so swapping the pastry is your main step.

  4. How do I prevent the ricotta from leaking out during baking?

    Be sure not to overfill each square and leave a small border without filling near the edges. Also, brushing egg wash around those edges acts like a glue seal to help keep the filling contained.

  5. Can I prepare the squares ahead of time and bake later?

    Yes! You can assemble the squares and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake. This makes them great for prepping the night before a special brunch.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is one of those hidden gems that never fails to impress when friends drop by or when you want a little afternoon indulgence. The flaky golden pastry, creamy ricotta, and melty chocolate chips all come together in this cozy little package that is just downright uplifting. Give this recipe a try—I bet it’ll become one of your kitchen staples, just like it did for me.

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Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 pastry squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips, finished with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for the perfect crunch. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.


Ingredients

Puff Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

  • 9 tablespoons (135g) ricotta cheese
  • 9 tablespoons (126g) chocolate chips

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon coarse/turbinado/demerara sugar (or a pinch on each square)

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, whisked


Instructions

  1. Prepare Puff Pastry: Set out your frozen puff pastry about 30 minutes prior to assembling the squares to thaw. If short on time, follow the quick thaw instructions on the puff pastry package to ensure it’s pliable but still cold.
  2. Preheat Oven and Cut Pastry: Preheat your oven to 350F (177C). Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 9 equal squares using a pizza cutter or dough cutter. No rolling pin needed! Transfer the squares onto a parchment-lined baking pan.
  3. Add Ricotta Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese onto the center of each pastry square. Spread it into an even small circle, leaving a 1-2cm border around the edges to allow the pastry to puff.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash: Carefully brush the exposed pastry edges (avoiding the ricotta center) with the whisked egg wash. This will help achieve a golden, glossy finish.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips and Sugar: Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips over the ricotta on each square. Then, lightly sprinkle coarse sugar over all the squares to create a sweet crunch.
  6. Bake the Pastry Squares: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 350F (177C) for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.

Notes

  • You can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
  • For a dairy-free option, use vegan ricotta cheese and vegan puff pastry.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the chocolate chips or omit the coarse sugar topping.
  • Ensure the puff pastry is not too warm when handling to prevent sticking or tearing.
  • Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry square
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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