Name: Mini Cannoli Cups Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Mini Cannoli Cups Delight are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering a perfect balance of crispy shell and creamy filling. I’ve been making these charming treats for years, and they never fail to impress at gatherings. Whether it’s a family celebration or a cozy evening at home, these mini cannoli are sure to bring smiles.

Why Make This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet ricotta, chocolate chips, and crispy pastry shells creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
Convenient Serving Size: These mini cups are perfect for individual servings, making them a hit at parties or gatherings.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip these up in under an hour.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner with friends, these cannoli cups shine in any setting.
Personally, I love this recipe for its flexibility—each bite can be customized to suit different tastes.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 mini cups
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cooking Method: Baking

This recipe involves preparing a simple pastry dough, baking it in a mini muffin tin, and filling it with a luscious ricotta mixture.

My Experience Making This Recipe

The first time I made Mini Cannoli Cups Delight, I was a little nervous about getting the pastry just right, but I quickly found my rhythm. After a couple of batches, I learned that lightly greasing the muffin tin made a huge difference in removing the cups without any tears.

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Delight

Making these mini cannoli cups starts with creating a dough that you’ll press into a muffin tin to form shells. After baking, you’ll whip up a simple filling using ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixed with chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Expect a delightful transformation as the dough bakes to a golden crisp, ready to be filled with that creamy goodness.

Expert Tips for Success

Chill Your Dough: Chill the pastry dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it hold its shape and prevents shrinkage.
Use Fresh Ricotta: Always choose high-quality, fresh ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the filling for a unique twist.
Don’t Overfill: When adding the ricotta mixture to the shells, leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow.
Presentation Matters: Dust the finished cups with powdered sugar right before serving for that professional touch.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Delight

Serve these mini cups on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. They make a lovely addition to dessert tables and pair perfectly with a strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store any leftover cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze them, it’s best to keep the shells and filling separate. The shells can be frozen for up to a month, while the filling stays fresh for about a week in the fridge. To enjoy, thaw the shells before filling them and serve chilled.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the pastry dough safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Dairy-Free: Swap the ricotta for a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from nuts or tofu.
Flavor Infusions: Try incorporating different flavored extracts, such as coconut or lemon, into the filling for various flavor profiles.
Fruity Filling: Mix in finely chopped fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing fruity twist on the traditional filling.

Nutritional Highlights

Mini Cannoli Cups Delight are a balanced treat, providing protein from ricotta cheese while offering some calcium. Keep in mind that they are a dessert, so moderation is key. These bites do contain dairy and nuts from chocolate chips, making them suitable for most diets but not for those with specific allergies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Shells Sticking: If the shells stick to the muffin tin, ensure it’s well-greased. You can also use parchment paper liners for easier removal.
Filling Too Runny: If your ricotta filling appears too watery, consider straining the ricotta for a bit to remove excess moisture before mixing.
Shells Not Crisping: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and keep an eye on the shells to catch them at the right golden color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the shells in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the shells ahead of time, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before filling.

2. What’s the best way to fill the cannoli cups?
Using a piping bag is the easiest way to fill the cannoli cups neatly. If you don’t have one, a plastic bag with the corner snipped off works well too.

3. How can I customize the filling?
Feel free to experiment! Add your favorite mix-ins such as crushed pistachios, mini marshmallows, or flavored liqueurs for a unique touch.

4. Why are my shells not holding their shape?
Make sure the dough is thin enough and pressed firmly into the muffin tin. If your dough is too soft, chilling it for a longer period before baking can also help.

Mini Cannoli Cups Delight