Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of traditional cannoli with a twist in these Ricotta Cannoli Squares. A creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling studded with chocolate chips, sandwiched between layers of flaky crescent dough, and dusted with cinnamon sugar – an easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Prepare the base: Unroll half of the crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the pan, sealing seams. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, beat together ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Assemble: Spread the ricotta mixture over the cooled crust. Top with remaining crescent dough and press down gently.
- Top and bake: Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Chill and serve: Cool completely, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, drain the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for an hour before using.
- These bars are easiest to slice when fully chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
