Crunchy Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe: Sweet Little Italian Delights

Delicate pastry shells cradle a silky cannoli filling that whispers sweet promises of Sicily.

These delightful cannoli cups bring an irresistible Italian classic into bite-sized perfection.

Each miniature treat bursts with creamy ricotta and delicate hints of vanilla.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add a playful crunch to every elegant morsel.

The crisp, golden pastry shells provide a delicate contrast to the smooth, rich filling inside.

You’ll fall in love with how easily these cannoli cups come together, transforming a complex dessert into a simple, crowd-pleasing delight.

Prepare to be the star of your next gathering with these irresistible little bites of pure indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 12

Everything You Need for Mini Cannoli Cups

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy foundation that adds rich, smooth texture to the filling, choose fresh and well-drained variety.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Luxurious Italian cream cheese that enhances silkiness and provides delicate tangy undertone, select high-quality brand for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens the cheese mixture, ensures lump-free incorporation for smooth consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dessert, use pure extract for most authentic flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that introduces subtle warmth and complexity, freshly ground provides most intense taste.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides delightful crunch and chocolate burst throughout the creamy filling, opt for high-quality dark or semi-sweet chips for best flavor contrast.

Tools to Pipe and Fill Mini Cannoli Cups Right

• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for blending the filling ingredients to smooth, creamy perfection.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ricotta, mascarpone, and other filling components.
• Silicone spatula: Great for folding in those delightful mini chocolate chips without deflating the mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for getting the right amount of each ingredient.
• Mini muffin tin: Creates the cute, bite-sized cannoli cup shape.
• Piping bag or ziplock bag (optional): Helps neatly fill the cups with the creamy mixture.

Easy Instructions for Making Mini Cannoli Cups

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your mixing bowl and blend ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon. Grab an electric mixer or whisk and transform these ingredients into a silky smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Fold in the Chocolate

Sprinkle in those adorable mini chocolate chips and gently fold them through the luxurious cream. Let each tiny chip get cozy within the dreamy filling, creating pockets of chocolate surprise.

• Prepare the Crispy Cups

Take pre-made mini phyllo shells and get ready to fill them with your decadent creation. These delicate little vessels will cradle your heavenly filling perfectly.

• Fill and Garnish

Carefully spoon your chocolate-studded cream into each crisp shell. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the tops with a light snowfall of powdered sugar or add a few extra chocolate chips as a playful garnish.

• Chill and Serve

Pop these mini delights into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the filling set. When ready, serve these bite-sized treats that promise a burst of creamy, chocolatey goodness in every single bite.

Tips for Crisp Shells and Creamy Fillings

• Drain ricotta cheese overnight in a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and smooth filling without wateriness.
• Replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains the classic cannoli flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or phyllo dough to create crispy cups, making the dessert accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped pistachios, orange zest, or crushed amaretto cookies to add unique Mediterranean-inspired flavor dimensions to the classic cannoli filling.
• Prepare filling and cups separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess before final assembly.

Serve Mini Cannoli Cups at Parties or Holidays

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these delightful mini cannoli cups on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves scattered around for an elegant presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside morning coffee or espresso, creating a delicious Italian-inspired breakfast treat that adds a touch of indulgence to your day.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Create a stunning dessert spread by placing these cups on tiered platters, complemented by fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal.
• After-Dinner Delight: Pair with a small glass of dessert wine or limoncello to elevate the tasting experience and provide a sophisticated ending to a memorable meal.

Storage Pointers for Cannoli Cups That Stay Crisp

• Transfer leftover cannoli cups to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Prepare the filling and store separately from the cups to maintain optimal crispness, assembling just before serving to prevent soggy bottoms.
• Cool the baked phyllo cups completely before adding the creamy filling to prevent moisture buildup and maintain a perfect texture.
• Wrap individual cannoli cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my ricotta cheese is smooth for the filling?

Drain excess liquid from ricotta using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer before mixing. Pat it dry to remove moisture and prevent a watery filling.

• Can I make the cannoli filling ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using to restore its creamy texture.

• What's the best way to get a consistent creamy texture when mixing the cheeses?

Use room temperature ricotta and mascarpone, and beat them with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

• Are there any tips for folding in chocolate chips without deflating the filling?

Use a gentle folding motion with a rubber spatula, cutting through the center and scooping from the bottom up. This helps maintain the light, airy texture of the filling while evenly distributing the chocolate chips.

Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired mini cannoli cups showcase authentic Italian dessert craftsmanship with crisp pastry shells filled with creamy ricotta. Delicate pistachios and chocolate chips sprinkled on top complete this irresistible sweet treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (15-20) mini phyllo shells
• 1 cup (250 g/8.8 oz) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (125 g/4.4 oz) mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) mini chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Cream Preparation: Whip ricotta and mascarpone cheeses in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and velvety, eliminating any potential texture inconsistencies.
2. Sweetening Process: Gradually sift powdered sugar into the cheese blend, whisking continuously to create a luxurious, lump-free cream with a satiny finish.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, blending thoroughly to marry the aromatic elements into the creamy base.
4. Chocolate Integration: Delicately fold miniature chocolate chips throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution without compromising the cream’s airy texture.
5. Final Presentation: Load the prepared cannoli cream into a piping bag or spoon, positioning it for elegant filling of crisp pastry shells or decorative serving vessels.

Notes

• Drain Cheese Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from ricotta by straining through cheesecloth for 30 minutes to prevent watery filling and ensure a thick, creamy texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold chocolate chips with a light hand to maintain the filling’s airy structure and prevent deflating the delicate cream.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate filled cannoli cups for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal taste and texture.
• Customize Creatively: Experiment with alternative mix-ins like chopped pistachios, orange zest, or crushed amaretti cookies to personalize the classic cannoli flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg