Mini Cannoli Cups

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that impresses every time, you’ve come to the right place! These Mini Cannoli Cups are not only super easy to whip up, but they also bring a touch of Italian charm to any gathering. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family party, these little treats will surely be the star of the show.

What makes this recipe special is its creamy filling and crispy cups that melt in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly amazing. Trust me, once you try these Mini Cannoli Cups, they’ll become your go-to dessert recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and bake time, you can have these ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet ricotta filling paired with crunchy pastry is simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a Tuesday night treat, these cannoli cups fit right in!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cups and filling in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings to make each cup unique!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Mini Cannoli Cups is easy with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home! Let’s gather everything you need:

• 1 container whole-milk ricotta cheese (15 oz., drained)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box (2 count)
• 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
• additional powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and mix things up with these fun variations:

• Try Different Zests: Use lime or grapefruit zest for a refreshing twist.
• Add Spices: A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
• Change Up the Toppings: Swap out chocolate chips for dried fruit or crushed nuts for added texture.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan option.

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This ensures that your pastry cups bake evenly and get that golden brown color we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cups

Lightly flour your work surface and unroll those pie crusts. Sprinkle them generously with turbinado sugar and cinnamon—this adds sweetness and warmth. Gently roll over them with a rolling pin to press the mixture into the dough. Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and press them into ungreased mini muffin cups. If you find yourself short on circles, don’t hesitate to re-roll and cut more!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Pop those pastry rounds into the oven for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them completely lets them hold their shape when filled.

Step 4: Whip Up the Filling

While your cups are cooling, it’s time to make that heavenly filling! Beat together all the filling ingredients in a large bowl until creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Once ready, transfer this delicious mixture into a zip-top bag and seal it up tight before refrigerating.

Step 5: Fill Your Cups

When you’re ready to serve, take your chilled filling from the refrigerator. Snip off one corner of the bag and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup. Top them off with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for added flair! A light dusting of powdered sugar gives it that perfect finishing touch.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

These Mini Cannoli Cups are best served fresh! Gather everyone around and enjoy watching their faces light up at first bite.

Now you’re all set to make these delightful treats! Enjoy every moment of creating and sharing these lovely little desserts!

Pro Tips for Making Mini Cannoli Cups

Making these Mini Cannoli Cups is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use chilled ingredients: Starting with cold ricotta helps to create a creamy filling that holds its shape beautifully when piped into the cups.
• Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the pastry cups while they’re in the oven. Once they reach a golden brown color, take them out to prevent them from becoming too hard.
• Customize your fillings: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding spices or extracts like almond or even a splash of coffee for a unique twist!
• Presentation matters: Arrange your Mini Cannoli Cups on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching dessert table display. It makes all the difference at parties!
• Make ahead: You can prepare both the pastry cups and filling in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

These delightful Mini Cannoli Cups are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can present them! Here are some fun ideas to wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.
• Zest of citrus: Grating some extra lemon or orange zest on top adds brightness and enhances flavor.
• Cocoa powder dusting: A light sprinkle of cocoa powder gives a rich look and complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Italian Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing sorbet serves as a perfect palate cleanser between bites of rich cannoli cups, enhancing your dessert experience.
• Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of color and flavor that balances the creaminess of the cannoli.
• Chocolate Dipped Biscotti: These crunchy treats provide a delightful textural contrast alongside your creamy cannoli cups. They’re perfect for dipping!
• Espresso or Coffee: Offering a small cup of strong coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet richness of the cannoli, making it feel like an authentic Italian café experience.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress! Enjoy your Mini Cannoli Cups at any gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Cannoli Cups are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert without the stress of last-minute preparations. You can easily store any leftovers or make them ahead of time for your next gathering!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any uneaten Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed within the first day for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the pastry cups, do so before filling them with the ricotta mixture.
• Place the baked and cooled shells in a freezer-safe bag or container and they can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• When ready to use, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before filling.

Reheating

• To reheat the empty pastry cups, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Warm them on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until crisp, then let cool before filling.
• Avoid reheating filled cups, as this could affect the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mini Cannoli Cups!

Can I make Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry cups and filling separately. Store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble right before serving.

What kind of filling can I use for Mini Cannoli Cups?

While this recipe features a delightful ricotta-based filling, feel free to experiment with other sweet fillings like mascarpone or cream cheese mixtures for a different flavor twist.

How can I customize my Mini Cannoli Cups?

You can add various toppings such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cups for extra flair!

Are Mini Cannoli Cups suitable for parties?

Definitely! These bite-sized treats are easy to serve and perfect for sharing at any gathering or celebration. They are sure to be a hit with guests!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Mini Cannoli Cups! They’re not just delicious; they bring a sense of togetherness and celebration wherever they are served. Enjoy making these delightful bites that everyone will love, and don’t hesitate to share your own creative twists. Happy baking!