Wonderful Sweet Cigarettes Filled With Ricotta Cream

Sweet cigarettes are delicate rolled pastries made from a simple batter of egg whites, powdered sugar, butter, corn flour, and plain flour, then filled with a sweet ricotta mixture. These sweet rolls are ideal for dessert tables, afternoon treats, or tea-time gatherings.

What Are Sweet Cigarettes? 

Sweet cigarettes are named for their slender cylindrical shape rather than anything related to tobacco. The technique is particularly interesting because the pastry has to be shaped at exactly the right moment. Ricotta is a particularly natural partner for this type of dessert. The mild, creamy cheese has a slightly fresh character that works with sugar, while its texture makes it easy to turn into a quick filling.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Cigarettes

• The butter should be soft enough to combine smoothly with the other ingredients. If it is rock-hard, it can leave lumps in the batter, which makes spreading the mixture evenly much harder.
• A smooth batter is important because these pastries need to cook into thin, even rounds. Mix thoroughly without leaving pockets of flour or corn flour behind.
• The pastry needs to be rolled while it is still warm and flexible. Once it cools and firms up, it becomes much more difficult to shape without cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sweet cigarettes difficult to make?

They are not particularly difficult, but they do require good timing. The batter itself is very simple to prepare, and the ricotta filling takes only a couple of ingredients. The trickiest part is rolling the pastry while it is still warm enough to bend. Once you understand that timing, the process becomes much easier.

Why are my sweet cigarettes cracking when I roll them?

The most common reason is that the pastry has cooled too much before being shaped. Another possibility is that the cooked rounds are too thick or have been cooked for too long. Roll each piece as soon as it is cooked and flexible.

How do I stop the batter from spreading unevenly?

Make sure the batter is properly mixed before cooking. When spreading it onto parchment paper, aim for a thin and even layer rather than concentrating the mixture in the centre.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Refrigerate them because of the ricotta filling, and separate layers with parchment paper if needed to prevent them from sticking together. Keep in mind that refrigeration will gradually soften the pastry. They are best enjoyed fresh, when the contrast between the delicate exterior and creamy filling is at its best.

How to Make Sweet Cigarettes

Step 1

Step 1

Place the egg whites and powdered sugar in a bowl and beat them together until combined. Mix in softened butter, corn flour, and flour.

Place the egg whites and powdered sugar in a bowl and beat them together until combined. Mix in softened butter, corn flour, and flour.

Step 2

Step 2

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta and sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta and sugar.

Step 3

Step 3

Spread portions of the batter over parchment paper and cook the pastry until it is set and lightly coloured.

Spread portions of the batter over parchment paper and cook the pastry until it is set and lightly coloured.

Step 4

Step 4

Roll into tubes and fill them with the ricotta mixture.

Roll into tubes and fill them with the ricotta mixture.

Step 5

Step 5

Arrange the filled sweet cigarettes on a serving plate and dust them with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Arrange the filled sweet cigarettes on a serving plate and dust them with powdered sugar. Enjoy!