Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on traditional cannoli, featuring a creamy ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips sandwiched between two flaky pie crusts. Baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with sugar on top, these squares are perfect for serving as a dessert or a sweet snack. Garnished with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or extra chocolate chips, they offer a rich, creamy texture with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla for an authentic Italian-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (drained if very watery)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Crust and Topping
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (for a 9×9-inch baking dish)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Optional Garnishes
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- 3 maraschino cherries
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the cannoli squares evenly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Fit the Bottom Crust: Press one of the pre-made pie crusts into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure it fits snugly into the corners to create a sturdy base for the filling.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the prepared ricotta filling over the bottom crust, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for sealing the top crust properly.
- Top with Second Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling carefully, then seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork to keep the filling enclosed while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the large egg and brush it over the top crust to promote a golden brown finish. Sprinkle generously with sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is gently bubbling, indicating the squares are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the baked cannoli squares to cool for at least 30 minutes in the baking dish to help the filling set, making them easier to slice.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice into squares and serve warm or chilled. Optionally garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or extra chocolate chips according to your preference.
Notes
- Drain the ricotta cheese well if it is watery to avoid a soggy filling.
- Use chilled pie crusts for easier handling and a flakier texture.
- The squares can be served warm for a softer texture or chilled for a firmer filling.
- Storing leftovers in the refrigerator helps maintain freshness; reheat if desired before serving.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
