Be the star of any party or get-together with these amazingly easy and delicious Mini Cannoli Cups! A real crowd-pleaser, these delightful treats are perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply when you want to indulge yourself. What makes Mini Cannoli Cups so unique is their crispy pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta mixture, making them an irresistible dessert option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Mini Cannoli Cups come together in just 45 minutes, making them a simple dessert choice.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or holiday celebration, these cups are sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily switch up the filling ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their delightful flavors and textures, everyone will love these little treats!
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the cups and filling in advance for stress-free serving.
Tools and Preparation
Making Mini Cannoli Cups requires only a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Cookie/biscuit cutter
- Mini muffin pan
- Electric mixer
- Zip-top resealable bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: This tool helps roll out the pie crusts evenly, ensuring a perfect thickness for baking.
- Mini muffin pan: Essential for shaping the cannoli cups into beautiful bite-sized portions.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing the filling quick and efficient, resulting in a creamy texture.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Prepare Pie Crusts
- Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts.
- Sprinkle both of the pie crusts with turbinado sugar and cinnamon.
- Gently roll a rolling pin over the top of the pie crusts to press the sugar and cinnamon into the dough.
- With a 2½-inch round cookie/biscuit cutter, cut out pastry rounds.
- Gently press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups. You may need to re-roll the pie crusts to cut out more circles until you have 48 circles.
Step 3: Bake the Crusts
Bake the crusts for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow cannoli cups to cool completely in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the cups are cooling:
Beat all filling ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
Transfer the filling into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag. Seal it and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Fill Mini Cannoli Cups
Just before serving:
Remove filling from refrigerator.
Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
Sprinkle cups with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. Dust with additional powdered sugar.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your delicious Mini Cannoli Cups right away for maximum freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful little desserts that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
For a Classic Touch
- Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
As a Party Treat
- Place them on a tiered dessert stand to make an eye-catching display.
- Offer different toppings, such as chocolate chips or pistachios, for guests to customize their treats.
With Beverages
- Enjoy alongside espresso or coffee for a classic Italian pairing.
- Serve with sweet dessert wines like Moscato to complement the flavors.
For Special Occasions
- Garnish with edible flowers for a festive look.
- Create themed platters for holidays or celebrations, using seasonal decorations.
How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups
To ensure your Mini Cannoli Cups turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ricotta cheese enhances the flavor and texture of the filling.
- Chill the filling: Refrigerating the filling before piping helps it hold its shape better in the pastry cups.
- Don’t overfill: Pipe just enough filling to avoid spilling over the edges.
- Add toppings right before serving: This keeps your toppings crunchy and fresh.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different zests or extracts to customize your filling.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups
Pairing side dishes with Mini Cannoli Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cannoli.
- Italian Biscotti: These crunchy cookies complement the creamy texture of the cannoli cups beautifully.
- Pistachio Gelato: The nutty flavor pairs well with cannoli while keeping things light and airy.
- Chocolate Fondue: Offer chocolate fondue for dipping the mini cups, adding an interactive element to dessert.
- Mascarpone Cream: A dollop of this rich cream adds extra indulgence to each bite.
- Coffee Granita: A chilled coffee treat refreshes the palate between bites of sweet cannoli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Cannoli Cups can be a delightful experience, but a few mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Not draining ricotta properly: If you skip this step, your filling may become watery, ruining the texture. Always drain ricotta cheese well before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the filling to chill makes it easier to pipe into the cups. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Overbaking the pastry crusts: Keep an eye on the crusts while they bake. Overbaking can lead to a hard shell instead of a crispy one. Bake until just golden brown.
- Forgetting to dust with powdered sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances sweetness. Don’t forget this finishing touch before serving!
- Using stale pie crusts: Freshness matters! Ensure your pie crusts are within their expiration date for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups
- Freeze unfilled pastry cups in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it as it may make the pastry soggy.
- Stovetop: For best results, reheat on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about these delicious treats, here are some frequently asked questions about Mini Cannoli Cups.
Can I make Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pastry cups ahead of time and fill them just before serving for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try with Mini Cannoli Cups?
Feel free to customize fillings with flavors like chocolate or coffee. You can also use different toppings such as crushed nuts or fruits.
How do I prevent my filling from being too runny?
Ensure you’ve drained the ricotta well and mix it thoroughly with sugar and zest until creamy. This will create a thicker filling that pipes easily.
Are Mini Cannoli Cups suitable for parties?
Absolutely! These bite-sized delights are perfect for gatherings, offering an easy-to-eat dessert that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Mini Cannoli Cups are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Try this delightful recipe at your next gathering; it’s bound to impress!
Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. These bite-sized treats feature a light, flaky pastry shell filled with a rich ricotta mixture, offering a taste of classic Italian flavors in a fun, portable form. With just 45 minutes of prep and bake time, these mini desserts are not only easy to make but also highly customizable. You can experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your preferences, ensuring they are a hit at parties or family gatherings. Serve them fresh with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or colorful toppings for an elegant touch that will leave your guests wanting more.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Roll out the pie crusts, sprinkle with turbinado sugar and cinnamon, then cut into rounds.
- Press rounds into greased mini muffin cups and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat ricotta, sugars, zest, and vanilla until creamy; chill filling.
- Pipe filling into cooled pastry shells and top with chocolate chips or pistachios.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup (28g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
