Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares

Ricotta chocolate chip pastry squares combine creamy cheese, rich chocolate, and buttery puff pastry into bite-sized treats that taste far more complex than their simple ingredient list suggests. These delicate squares offer the perfect balance of textures—crisp, flaky layers of pastry supporting a pillowy ricotta filling studded with melty chocolate chips. The addition of coarse sugar creates a beautiful sparkle and subtle crunch that elevates these pastries from homemade to bakery-worthy.

I discovered this recipe one Sunday afternoon when faced with an open container of ricotta that needed using and unexpected guests arriving within the hour. The pastries came together so quickly and disappeared even faster, with everyone asking for the complicated recipe. Their faces when I revealed the short ingredient list and simple process were priceless—sometimes the best culinary creations come from necessity and simplicity.

Five Essential Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: The foundation that provides those beautiful, delicate layers; always keep some in your freezer for last-minute dessert emergencies
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, slightly sweet filling; whole milk ricotta provides the richest flavor and texture
• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet offers the perfect balance, but dark or milk chocolate works beautifully depending on your preference
• Coarse sugar: Turbinado or Demerara sugar adds a wonderful crunch and caramelized sweetness that regular sugar can't match
• Egg: Creates that beautiful golden shine on the pastry edges and helps seal the dough

I've found that quality matters with ricotta—look for a fresh, whole milk variety without gums or stabilizers for the best texture. The slightly grainy consistency of authentic ricotta creates a lovely contrast against the smooth chocolate and flaky pastry. When I splurge on imported Italian ricotta, these simple squares truly become something special.

Prepare The Puff Pastry

Remove one sheet of frozen puff pastry from the freezer about 30 minutes before you plan to assemble the squares. Once pliable but still cool to the touch, carefully unfold the sheet onto a lightly floured surface.

Create Your Squares

Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pastry wheel, cut the sheet into nine equal squares. Transfer these squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each for expansion during baking.

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Add The Filling

Place a tablespoon of ricotta in the center of each pastry square, gently spreading it into a circle while leaving a 1-2 centimeter border around the edges. This border will puff up beautifully and create a slight edge to contain the filling.

Finish With Flavor

Beat an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash, then brush this mixture carefully onto the exposed pastry borders. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the ricotta centers, then finish with a generous sprinkle of coarse sugar over both the filling and the edges.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pastry has risen into flaky layers and turned a beautiful golden brown. Cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

My family now requests these squares for special brunches and holiday mornings. My daughter loves helping spread the ricotta and sprinkle the chocolate chips, calling them "fancy breakfast cookies." The simplicity of preparation makes them perfect for cooking with children, creating kitchen memories without the stress of complicated techniques.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful squares slightly warm, when the chocolate is still soft and the pastry is at its flakiest. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a mid-morning or afternoon treat. For a more elegant dessert presentation, drizzle with honey and add a few fresh berries on the side. These pastries also make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, offering a sweet option alongside savory dishes.

Delicious Variations

Transform these squares by adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the ricotta for a classic cannoli flavor. For a nutty version, sprinkle chopped pistachios along with the chocolate chips. Create a berry variation by adding a teaspoon of jam beneath the ricotta layer. During fall, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with apple cider or hot chocolate.

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Freshness Tips

These pastries are best enjoyed the day they're made, when the contrast between the crisp pastry and creamy filling is at its peak. If you need to prepare ahead, you can assemble the squares and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To refresh, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

I've learned that sometimes the most memorable desserts come from simple ingredients and techniques. These little squares have become my signature last-minute dessert—the recipe I reach for when time is short but I still want to create something that feels special. They remind me that good cooking doesn't always require complicated processes or lengthy ingredient lists, just thoughtful combinations of flavors and textures that delight the senses.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these pastry squares ahead of time?

For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to bake these just before serving. However, you can prepare the squares (cut pastry, add filling) and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before baking. Add the egg wash and sugar just before putting them in the oven.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Mascarpone cheese would be the closest substitute and works beautifully. In a pinch, you could also use cream cheese softened and mixed with a little heavy cream to lighten the texture.

→ Can I add other flavors to these pastry squares?

Absolutely! Try adding orange or lemon zest to the ricotta, a dash of cinnamon, chopped pistachios, or swap the chocolate chips for dried cherries or other dried fruits.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up the pastry again.

→ My puff pastry stuck to the counter. How can I prevent this?

Make sure your puff pastry is cold but not completely frozen when working with it. If it's sticking, dust your work surface lightly with flour before unrolling the pastry. You can also work on parchment paper for easy transfer.