Mini Cannoli Cups

Everything you love about silky and sweet cannoli, but in a fun, easy-to-make bite-sized form! Mini Cannoli Cups are perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings. These delightful treats combine creamy filling with a crispy shell, making them irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these mini treats ready in no time.
• Delicious Flavor – The rich combination of ricotta and cream cheese with hints of lemon creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, birthday party, or casual get-together, these mini cannoli cups are sure to please everyone.
• Customizable – Feel free to personalize your cannoli cups by adding different toppings like fruits or nuts.
• Visually Appealing – Their charming presentation makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Mini Cannoli Cups, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin – Essential for rolling out pie crusts evenly for that perfect cup shape.
• Baking sheet – Provides a stable surface for baking the pie crusts until golden brown.
• Mixing bowl – A spacious area is necessary to blend all the creamy filling ingredients seamlessly.
• Whisk – Helps in incorporating air into the mixture, ensuring a light and fluffy filling.

Ingredients

Everything you need for these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups!

For the Filling

• 8 oz ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (whisked to remove any lumps)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cup Shells

• 2 store-bought pie crusts
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For Topping

• Additional mini chocolate chips
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out Pie Crusts

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Use a round cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.

Step 3: Form the Cups

1. Gently press each circle into the wells of a muffin tin, forming small cups.
2. Brush each cup with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon.

Step 4: Bake the Shells

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before filling.

Step 5: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine ricotta cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix well.
3. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.

Step 6: Fill Your Cups

Once cool, fill each baked cup with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or pastry bag.

Step 7: Final Touches

Top each filled cup with additional mini chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Mini Cannoli Cups! These treats are not only delicious but also easy enough for anyone to whip up at home.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful bite-sized treats that bring joy to any gathering. These sweet cups can be served in various ways, making them perfect for parties, celebrations, or a cozy dessert at home.

Individual Dessert Plates

• Arrange each Mini Cannoli Cup on a small dessert plate for a charming presentation.

Dessert Platter

• Create an eye-catching dessert platter by grouping the Mini Cannoli Cups with fresh berries and mint leaves.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast.

Coffee Pairing

• Offer with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the flavors of the cannoli filling.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cup for an extra indulgent touch.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the Mini Cannoli Cups for a rich and decadent finish.

How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups

Perfecting your Mini Cannoli Cups is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure you create the best version of this delightful dessert.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh ricotta and cream cheese for the creamiest filling.

• Chill before serving: Letting the filled cups sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

• Avoid overfilling: Fill each cup just below the rim to prevent spills and make handling easier.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add different extracts or citrus zests to customize the filling.

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch and makes them look appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups

Pairing side dishes with your Mini Cannoli Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options that complement the sweetness of the cannoli while adding variety to your table.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add bright flavors and color.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy cups.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs wonderfully with sweet cannoli.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy counterpart to each bite.
5. Pistachio Crumble: Chopped pistachios provide a nutty crunch that complements the dessert’s richness.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake can be an excellent pairing for those who love cake alongside their desserts.
7. Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors for added fun and variety.
8. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone which can balance out the sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create the perfect Mini Cannoli Cups, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your filling. Always soften it to room temperature for a smooth texture.
• Skipping the zest: Lemon zest adds vibrant flavor. Don’t skip it; it enhances the taste of your filling significantly.
• Overfilling the cups: It’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, but overfilling can cause spills. Leave a little space at the top for easy handling.
• Not pre-baking pie crusts properly: Pre-baking ensures a crispy base. Follow the instructions closely to avoid soggy cups.
• Ignoring dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks appealing but adds sweetness. Don’t forget this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups

• Freeze unfilled mini cannoli cups for up to 2 months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat or they may become soggy.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mini Cannoli Cups?

Mini Cannoli Cups are bite-sized desserts filled with a creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, offering all the flavors of traditional cannoli in a fun format.

How do you make Mini Cannoli Cups?

To make Mini Cannoli Cups, prepare the filling with ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and chocolate chips. Bake small pie crusts as cups and fill them with the mixture.

Can I customize my Mini Cannoli Cups?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors like almond extract or swap out chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts for variety.

How long do Mini Cannoli Cups last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Mini Cannoli Cups will stay fresh for about 3 days.

Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Cups?

Yes, you can freeze unfilled mini cannoli shells for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped before freezing.

Final Thoughts

Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that everyone will enjoy. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various flavors and fillings. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with these sweet bites!