Welcome to my kitchen where every spill is a story, every burnt edge a lesson, and every dish a love letter to flavor. I’m Emma, a small-town cook with a big heart and a lifelong passion for turning simple ingredients into moments of connection. Inspired by my grandmother’s tales told over bubbling pots, I’ve made it my mission to blend tradition and creativity, serving up recipes that are comforting, fresh, and joy-filled. Whether you’re just starting out or know your way around a whisk, I want you to feel at home here—curious, confident, and ready to make something delicious from scratch.
Classic Cannoli Squares are simply delightful! Imagine a warm, buttery crust that cradles creamy ricotta cheese, dotted with mini chocolate chips, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you right to Italy. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, offering a lovely balance of comfort, nutrition, and ease. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these treats that will make your kitchen smell divine and your heart feel full.
Serving Versatility
These Classic Cannoli Squares are wonderfully versatile! You can enjoy them solo as a sweet treat, or serve them over a bed of fresh fruit for a light dessert. They can even be adapted for those watching their carbs by using a low-carb crust. The options are truly endless!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the mini chocolate chips and stir.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the baked crust evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then cut into squares and serve.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: Approximately 150 calories per square
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ideal for a weeknight dessert!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Fits easily into your grocery list.
- Big, cozy flavor: A warm hug in every bite.
- Nutritional value: Ricotta adds protein and calcium.
- Customizability: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Cannoli originated in Sicily and are traditionally a fried pastry filled with sweetened ricotta. These Classic Cannoli Squares give you all that delightful flavor without the fuss of frying!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a delightful dessert on its own with a cup of tea.
- Top with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
- Crumble over yogurt for a unique breakfast option.
- Pair with whipped cream for an extra indulgence!
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on your oven—the baking time might slightly vary.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives a beautiful golden crust.
- If you like more chocolate, don’t be shy to add extra chips!
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to get that crust crispy again.
I hope you’re as excited to make these Classic Cannoli Squares as I am! Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to customize the recipe to your taste. Share your creations with me, and don’t forget to rate or comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
Final Thoughts: Cooking is a journey filled with memories and flavors that bind us together. As you whip up these delicious squares, think of the stories you’ll tell and the joy you’ll share.
“Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.”
“If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my related recipe for another comforting favorite.”
Happy baking! 😊
Classic Cannoli Squares
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
For the filling
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Adds protein and calcium
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar For filling
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips Feel free to add more
- 1 each egg (for egg wash) Gives a beautiful golden crust
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
Baking
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the mini chocolate chips and stir.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the baked crust evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then cut into squares and serve.