Mini tarts with cottage cheese and cinnamon

Mini tarts with ricotta cream and cinnamon

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for mini tarts with ricotta cream and cinnamon, perfect for any occasion. These mini tarts are not only a savory dessert but also a visual delight that will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Cooking these tarts is a true art, but with the help of our detailed guide, you'll be able to prepare them like a professional.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Your ingredients for this quick dessert are:

- 400 g store-bought puff pastry
- 400-500 g ricotta or cottage cheese
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange or lemon
- 1 whole egg and 2 egg yolks
- 25 g melted butter
- Butter for greasing the molds
- Decoration: mint leaves, powdered cinnamon, fresh cherries (optional)

Let's start the culinary adventure!

1. Thawing and preparing the dough: Start by thawing the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once the dough is soft and pliable, roll it out on a clean surface dusted with a little flour to prevent sticking. Use a knife or a round cutter to cut out circles the size of your molds. It is important that the circles are slightly larger than the molds to allow for edge assembly.

2. Preparing the molds: If you are using metal molds, grease them well with butter to prevent sticking. In the case of aluminum molds, greasing is not necessary, as the dough will release easily after baking. Place the dough circles in each mold, being careful to press lightly on the edges to fit the shape.

3. Preparing the cream: In a large bowl, mash the ricotta or cottage cheese using a fork. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth texture. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well. Follow with the grated zest of the orange or lemon, which will give your cream a fresh citrus aroma. Incorporate the whole egg and the two egg yolks, mixing vigorously to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Finally, pour in the melted butter and mix again.

4. Filling the tarts: Use a spoon or ladle to pour the ricotta cream into each prepared mold. Fill them about ¾ full, as the cream will puff up a bit while baking.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the molds on a tray and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cream sets. You will notice an enticing aroma spreading throughout the kitchen.

6. Cooling and decorating: After the mini tarts are ready, let them cool in the molds for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the molds and place them on a platter. Dust generously with cinnamon and decorate with mint leaves or fresh cherries for an elegant and sophisticated look.

Enjoy your meal!

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the ricotta cream.
- These mini tarts can be served warm or cold, being equally delicious in both variations.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, for a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of dough? Yes, you can use tart dough or shortcrust pastry for a different version.
- How can I store leftovers? Mini tarts can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible to enjoy the crispy texture of the dough.

Nutritional benefits:
These mini tarts with ricotta cream are a good source of protein due to the ricotta and eggs. Ricotta is also rich in calcium, essential for bone health. Additionally, cinnamon adds not only a wonderful taste but also antioxidants that can help maintain overall health.

Possible variations:
- Replace cinnamon with cocoa for a chocolate version.
- You can add berries to the ricotta cream for a touch of freshness.

These mini tarts with ricotta cream and cinnamon are perfectly suited to be enjoyed alongside a cup of aromatic tea or a strong espresso, adding flavor to your moments of relaxation. So, don't hesitate to impress your family and friends with this simple and delicious recipe!