Panzerotti with ricotta, chocolate, and hazelnut grains

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PRESENTATION

Panzerotti dolci are these delightful treats from the beautiful region of Puglia. They offer a sweet twist on the classic savory snack everyone loves in southern Italy. Really good stuff. These pastries have delicate discs of thin dough wrapped around a smooth filling made with ricotta e cioccolato. This combo is super super popular in Italian sweets, giving a creamy center with a burst of dark chocolate that just melts in your mouth. Plus, the granella di nocciole (hazelnut pieces) inside? It gives a really crunchy texture.

Each bite offers a contrast between the soft dough and crunchy nuts, plus the deep chocolate flavor paired with that slightly nutty taste. So so good. These dolci fritti italiani are especially popular during holidays and family gatherings in Puglia. But, honestly, any occasion is perfect for enjoying them. Presenting a tray of panzerotti con ripieno dolce is a fun way to surprise guests—they often expect the traditional tomato and cheese version. This sweet take? It shines, especially as a really nice end to a meal or a sweet afternoon treat.

Locals appreciate the simplicity of the recipe—which still feels a bit fancy—with its rich filling and golden, crispy exterior from frying. You’ll often find these treats alongside other ricette tradizionali italiane at bakeries or family tables. And you know what? They’re loved by both kids and adults alike. When freshly made, the aroma of warm chocolate and ricotta fills the kitchen, making it really hard to resist grabbing one immediately. If you’re into dolci tipici pugliesi or simply enjoy exploring new dolci ripieni di ricotta, these panzerotti are an ideal choice. Pretty much perfect. They pair beautifully with coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, always sparking conversation with their rich and delicious filling in every bite. Whether for a festive occasion or just because, these panzerotti offer a taste of Puglia’s sweet culinary tradition that’s sure to please. For sure.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for 16 panzerotti
Pasta disks - 16
Cow's milk ricotta cheese ¾ cup (180 g)
Dark chocolate 1.75 oz (50 g)
Chopped hazelnuts ¼ cup (30 g)
Sugar 8 ½ tsp (35 g)
for frying
Vegetable oil 4 ¼ cups (1 l)
Preparation

How to prepare Panzerotti with ricotta, chocolate, and hazelnut grains

To prepare the panzerotti with ricotta, chocolate, and hazelnut grains, start by sifting the ricotta, placing it in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl 1. Once ready, add the sugar 2 and mix everything with a whisk 3.

Chop the dark chocolate 4 and add it to the ricotta 5 along with the hazelnut grains 6.

Mix everything to blend all the ingredients well 7, then take one dough disc at a time 8; place it on a cutting board and fill it with about 1 oz of the filling you prepared 9.

Fold the discs in half 10, pressing well with your fingers to create a half-moon shape 11; seal the edges with the tines of a fork 12 and continue in this way until all the ingredients are used.

Once finished 13, heat the frying oil in a large pan; when the oil has reached a temperature of 350°F-355°F (you can check with a kitchen thermometer), fry 2-3 panzerotti at a time 14 until they become golden and crispy. Drain them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels, then you can serve and enjoy your panzerotti with ricotta, chocolate, and hazelnut grains 15.

Storage

It is recommended to consume the panzerotti with ricotta, chocolate, and hazelnut grains hot at the moment. Freezing is not recommended.

Advice

It's really impossible to resist these small delights! Instead of hazelnut grains, try using some delicious chopped pistachios for your filling: you'll taste the goodness!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.