Description
Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, a soft and creamy treat combining rich ricotta cheese with sweet chocolate chips. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, these squares boast a tender texture and a subtle hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Squares
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pastry squares.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture and stir well until fully blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning in the batter.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the pastry.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter to evenly disperse the chocolate through the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the pastry is cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the pastry squares to cool slightly in the baking dish. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their texture.
- Optional Finishing: Before serving, dust the top of the squares with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the pastry tender.
- Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the creamiest and richest flavor.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chunks or your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or dried fruit.
- Cooling completely before cutting allows the pastry squares to set properly and cut neatly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American