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Shortcrust Pastry Shells with Mascarpone Cream and Chocolate Drops

Delicate shortcrust pastry shells filled with rich mascarpone cream and chocolate drops, perfect for a sweet treat or elegant dessert.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Shortcrust Pastry
  • 300 g flour 00 Type 00 flour is preferred for a tender crust.
  • 100 g sugar
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 yolk egg yolk
  • 80 g extra virgin olive oil Can substitute with cold butter for a richer flavor.
  • 1 scant teaspoon baking powder for sweets
  • 1 pinch salt
  • grated from 1 lemon lemon zest Adds brightness to the pastry.
For the Mascarpone Filling
  • 500 g mascarpone
  • 200 g fresh liquid cream, cold from the refrigerator Ensure cream is very cold for best whipping.
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 30 g chocolate drops
  • a few tablespoons milk To adjust cream texture if too thick.
For Decoration
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • bitter powder cocoa powder for decorating Adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

Method
 

Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
  1. In a bowl, lightly whisk together the whole egg, egg yolk, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and the grated lemon zest until harmonious.
  2. Sift in the flour with the baking powder and bring the mixture together gently. Knead just until smooth—avoid overworking.
  3. Shape into a compact block, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Chill a mixing bowl and whisk. Pour the cold fresh cream into the bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold in the mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth. If too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk.
  3. Gently fold in the chocolate drops.
Prepare the Pastry Shells
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour your scallop shell molds.
  2. Roll out the chilled pastry and cut shapes using the scallop shells.
  3. Dust the cut shells lightly with cocoa powder and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Let the shells cool fully in their molds.
Assemble
  1. Transfer the mascarpone cream to a piping bag and pipe into each cooled shell.
  2. Overlap a second shell on top or present them as open tarts.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

Store filled shells in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days.