Classic Cannoli Squares
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful taste of Italy with these Classic Cannoli Squares. These delectable treats combine creamy ricotta filling with a buttery, flaky crust, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these squares are a festive spin on the traditional cannoli, making them a must-bake for the Christmas cookie platter.
A Taste of Tradition
Cannoli are a beloved Italian pastry, known for their crispy shells and creamy filling. These Classic Cannoli Squares pay homage to this traditional dessert while making it easier to serve and enjoy at gatherings. Instead of individual cannoli, you'll get all those delightful flavors in a convenient square form, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The combination of rich ricotta cheese, sweet chocolate chips, and the optional crunch of pistachios creates a filling that's both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply indulging on a weekend, these squares bring the essence of Italian pastry-making right into your home.
As you bite into these squares, the buttery, flaky crust and smooth, sweet filling will whisk you away to an Italian pastry shop. It’s a wonderful way to share a slice of Italian culture with those you love, and they’re sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Perfect for Every Occasion
These Classic Cannoli Squares are not just for Christmas cookie platters; they can brighten any occasion. From birthday parties to potluck dinners, they serve as a delightful ending to festive meals. Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these squares strike the perfect balance between indulgence and tradition.
They are also an excellent choice for brunches or celebrations like Mother's Day or Easter. Their beautiful presentation, dusted with powdered sugar and adorned with chocolate shavings, will certainly elevate your dessert table. Preparing these treats is a wonderful way to show loved ones that you care.
What’s more, since they can be made ahead of time and chilled, they fit seamlessly into your party planning. Just prepare a batch in advance and pull them out when you're ready to impress your guests!
Tips for Success
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla until the dough comes together.
Bake the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Make the Filling
In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then fold in the chocolate chips and pistachios.
Assemble the Squares
Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Serve
Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Add chocolate shavings on top if desired.
Storing Your Cannoli Squares
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your Classic Cannoli Squares. Once assembled, it's best to keep them refrigerated, covered, and separate from any strong-smelling foods to prevent them from absorbing unwanted odors. They can last for up to three days in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy them over several days.
If you plan on making them ahead of time, consider baking the crust and preparing the filling separately. The crust can be stored at room temperature, while the filling can be kept in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Variations to Try
Feel free to play with the filling for these Classic Cannoli Squares. You can incorporate different ingredients such as orange zest for a citrus zing, or swap chocolate chips for dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a more fruity profile. Experimenting not only allows you to cater to different taste preferences but can also elevate the dish to new heights.
For a gluten-free version, you could use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. This way, everyone can enjoy a taste of Italy, regardless of dietary restrictions. Just ensure to check all other ingredients, including chocolate chips, for gluten content.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these squares in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time. Assemble and refrigerate just before serving.
→ Can I freeze the cannoli squares?
It's not recommended to freeze the filled squares, but you can freeze the crust separately and make the filling fresh when ready to serve.
Classic Cannoli Squares
Experience the delightful taste of Italy with these Classic Cannoli Squares. These delectable treats combine creamy ricotta filling with a buttery, flaky crust, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these squares are a festive spin on the traditional cannoli, making them a must-bake for the Christmas cookie platter.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then fold in the chocolate chips and pistachios.
Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Add chocolate shavings on top if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 5g