Every time I whip up these Mini Cannoli Cups, I feel like I’ve brought a bit of that charming Italian café experience right into my kitchen. The moment the buttery pie crusts puff up in the oven, transforming into delightful little vessels, I know I’m in for something special. It’s that lovely contrast of crispy exterior and sweet, creamy filling that makes these mini desserts feel truly indulgent.
Once autumn rolls around, it’s like an invitation to gather around with friends and family, sharing sweet treats that spark joy. These cannoli cups fit the bill perfectly, easily crafted in just 30 minutes! With creamy ricotta, a hint of orange zest, and those tempting chocolate chips, they promise to impress guests without the usual fuss. Plus, they’re a great way to satisfy cravings without resorting to fast food. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to brighten up your evening!
Why are Mini Cannoli Cups a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of ricotta and orange zest creates a creamy, refreshing filling that dances on your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of preparation, these cups are a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Festive Presentation: Their delightful mini size makes them the ideal bite-sized treat for parties, ensuring every guest gets a touch of sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or a friendly soirée, these cannoli cups are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Customizable Goodness: Feel free to experiment with fillings and toppings, making each batch uniquely yours!
You’ll love making these Mini Cannoli Cups for any occasion, ensuring deliciousness in every bite.
Mini Cannoli Cups Ingredients
For the Crust
• Store-bought pie crusts – a time-saver that provides a flaky base for your mini cannoli cups.
• Raw turbinado sugar – use to sprinkle for texture; it caramelizes beautifully when baked.
For the Filling
• Whole ricotta cheese – ensures a creamy and rich filling; drain well for the best consistency.
• Powdered sugar – adds sweetness and smoothness to the filling without graininess.
• Granulated sugar – perfect for a hint of extra sweetness blended into the filling.
• Orange zest – adds a refreshing zing that brightens the flavor profile of mini cannoli cups.
• Mini chocolate chips – a delightful addition for those bursts of chocolate in every bite.
For Topping
• Additional powdered sugar – for dusting before serving, adds an elegant touch to each cannoli cup.
Gather these ingredients to create a delightful treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray the bottom of a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later.
- Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If there are any cracks, don’t worry! Just pinch them back together gently for a perfect base.
- Sprinkle half of the raw turbinado sugar evenly over each pie crust. Gently rub it into the crusts to enhance their sweetness and texture.
- Cut out rounds using a 2 ½ or 3-inch round cookie cutter. Save the scraps; you can reroll them for more delicious cups!
- Shape the crust circles around the underside of each mini muffin cup. This will create the little cups that hold your tasty filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crusts are just slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crispness!
- Cool the cups completely. This step is key! Let them sit aside to cool before filling them with your delicious mixture.
- Mix in a large bowl the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla. Beat until just combined, using a hand mixer or whisk for that creamy texture.
- Fill the cooled cups by spooning in the ricotta mixture. A piping bag can make the filling process easier and more elegant!
- Top each cannoli cup with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips; they add a delightful pop of flavor to your finished treat!
- Dust with a light layer of additional powdered sugar to finish off your mini cannoli cups with a touch of sweetness and visual appeal!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for fresh enjoyment later on.
Optional: Serve with fresh berries for an extra fresh twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mini Cannoli Cups?
Every bite of these delightful treats calls for a perfectly balanced meal that complements their sweet indulgence.
- Espresso: The rich, bold flavor of espresso enhances the dessert’s sweetness, providing a classic Italian pairing to your mini cannoli cups.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or vibrant blueberries add a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that cuts through the creamy filling beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, making for a luxurious dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream brings an airy texture that pairs perfectly with the mini cannoli cups’ creamy filling.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cups adds an extra layer of decadence, enhancing the chocolate chips you’ve sprinkled on top.
- Mint Tea: Serving with a soothing cup of mint tea brightens the palate and provides a refreshing finish after enjoying your cannoli cups.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top deepens the chocolate flavor, making each bite more indulgent and exciting.
- Pistachio Crumble: Crushing pistachios and adding them as a topping introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
- Strawberry Sauce: A drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce adds a touching sweetness and a vibrant color, transforming your mini cannoli cups into a stunning dessert.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful option for meal prep enthusiasts! To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the crusts up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake them as directed, allow them to cool completely, and then store in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container; just mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cooled cups with the prepared filling and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. This prep method ensures your Mini Cannoli Cups are just as delicious, giving you a sweet treat with minimal effort!
Mini Cannoli Cups Variations
Feel free to let your creativity run wild and add your personal touch to these delightful treats!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the ricotta for almond or cashew cream to create a luscious filling that everyone can enjoy.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in cocoa powder into the ricotta mixture for a rich chocolate filling that will have chocoholics begging for seconds.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pistachios or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in some fresh or pureed strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing fruit-infused twist in your filling.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ricotta mixture for an unexpected heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Zesty Alternatives: Replace orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a bright and tangy flavor that invigorates the palate.
- Fruity Toppings: Top with candied oranges or fresh fruit before serving for an elegant and colorful presentation that elevates the cups.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts for those avoiding gluten, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful bites.
Each variation opens new avenues of flavor, ready to enchant your taste buds!
Expert Tips for Mini Cannoli Cups
- Perfect Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before adding the mini muffin pan; an even temperature helps achieve that delightful golden crust.
- Avoid Cracks: If your pie crust cracks while rolling, gently press it back together. This helps maintain the integrity of your mini cannoli cups during baking.
- Cooling Time: Let the cups cool completely before filling them. This prevents the creamy ricotta mixture from melting the crust and keeps the texture just right.
- Piping Ease: When filling, consider using a piping bag for more control and a neater look; it makes the process much easier!
- Decadent Toppings: Experiment with different toppings or fillings like pistachios or fruit preserves beneath the ricotta for added flair in your mini cannoli cups.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cannoli Cups
Fridge: Store any leftover mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that delightful crisp crust.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the unfilled crusts for up to 2 months. Once filled, they are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, place the filled cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispness and warms the filling beautifully.
Airtight Tips: For the best quality when storing, avoid stacking filled cups to prevent crushing the delicate crusts, ensuring your mini cannoli cups stay perfectly intact!
Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe FAQs
What type of pie crust should I use for the Mini Cannoli Cups?
Absolutely, store-bought pie crusts are perfect for convenience and flaky texture! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make homemade pie crust for a more personalized touch, but the store-bought kind works wonderfully for a quick dessert.
How should I store the finished Mini Cannoli Cups?
Store any leftover mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 3 days, but be sure to keep the container sealed tightly, so the crust remains slightly crisp. If you notice the crust getting a bit soft, a light re-crisping in the oven can help.
Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Cups?
Yes, you can definitely freeze unfilled cups for up to 2 months. Here’s how: after shaping them, place the mini cannoli cups on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just fill and bake as directed!
What do I do if my crusts crack while rolling?
Very common! If you notice any cracks in the crust while rolling, simply pinch the edges back together. This not only helps prevent any leaks during baking but also ensures a beautiful and uniform shape for your mini cannoli cups. If you encounter a significant crack, try dusting a bit of flour on the surface to help the dough stick together.
Are Mini Cannoli Cups suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
It’s important to note that these mini cannoli cups contain dairy and gluten, so they might not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. For a fun twist, you can explore gluten-free pie crusts and alternative dairy options such as nut or soy-based creams, and make them pet-friendly by excluding sugar and chocolate, though always check with your vet.
How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
For a delightful twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the ricotta filling for extra depth. Consider adding finely chopped pistachios or a hint of cinnamon to complement the orange zest. Get creative!
Mini Cannoli Cups that Make Every Bite a Sweet Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray the bottom of a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Pinch any cracks together gently.
- Sprinkle half of the raw turbinado sugar evenly over each pie crust.
- Cut out rounds using a 2 ½ or 3-inch round cookie cutter. Save the scraps to reroll.
- Shape the crust circles around the underside of each mini muffin cup to create the cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Cool the cups completely to maintain the texture.
- In a large bowl, mix drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest until just combined.
- Fill the cooled cups by spooning in the ricotta mixture.
- Top each cannoli cup with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
- Dust with a layer of additional powdered sugar before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.