Be the star of any party or get-together with these amazingly easy and delicious Mini Cannoli Cups! With their creamy filling and flaky crust, these treats are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to birthday celebrations. Their unique twist on traditional cannoli makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these Mini Cannoli Cups can be prepared quickly.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich ricotta filling combined with sweet spices creates a delightful taste that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, these cannoli cups fit any occasion.
- Customizable Options: You can easily change the toppings or filling flavors to suit your preferences.
- Elegant Presentation: These mini desserts look impressive on any dessert table, making them an instant hit.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Mini Cannoli Cups, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- 2½-inch round cookie cutter
- Mini muffin tin
- Electric mixer
- 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out pie crusts for the perfect texture.
- Mini muffin tin: Creates the ideal shape for your cannoli cups while baking evenly.
Ingredients
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 your oven to 425°F. This ensures a perfectly baked crust for your Mini Cannoli Cups.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
- Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts.
- Sprinkle both 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.
- Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter to 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 enough circles until you have 48 circles.
Step 3: Bake the Crusts
Bake the crusts for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them 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, prepare your filling:
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 and Top the Cups
Just before serving:
Remove the filling from refrigeration.
Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Enjoy these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups right away for maximum freshness!
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance your dessert table. These small, creamy-filled pastries are versatile and can be paired with different flavors and presentations to impress your guests.
Classic Presentation
- Use a decorative platter to arrange the Mini Cannoli Cups.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.
Flavor Variations
- Consider mixing in different flavorings like almond extract or lemon zest for unique tastes.
- Offer an assortment of toppings such as crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or seasonal fruits.
Dipping Sauce
- Serve alongside a rich chocolate sauce for drizzling, adding a decadent touch.
- A berry compote can complement the sweetness perfectly while adding freshness.
Themed Desserts
- Pair the Mini Cannoli Cups with Italian-themed desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta for an authentic experience.
- Include coffee or espresso-based drinks for an Italian café vibe.
Individual Portions
- Place each Mini Cannoli Cup in a small cupcake liner for easy handling.
- This also adds a pop of color and enhances presentation at parties.
How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups
To ensure your Mini Cannoli Cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh ricotta cheese and high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the flavor.
- Chill the filling: Allowing the filling to chill helps it firm up and makes piping easier.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the crusts to prevent overbaking; they should be golden brown but not too dark.
- Fill just before serving: For the best texture, fill your cups shortly before guests arrive to keep them fresh and crispy.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like crushed pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or even candied orange peel for variety.
- Store correctly: If you have leftovers, store the shells and filling separately to maintain crispness until you’re ready to enjoy more.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups
Pairing side dishes with your Mini Cannoli Cups can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweet flavors.
- Italian Gelato: This classic frozen treat comes in various flavors and adds a refreshing touch to your dessert spread.
- Tiramisu: Another Italian favorite, this coffee-flavored dessert enhances the overall theme and offers a rich contrast.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cannoli cups with refreshing acidity.
- Chocolate Mousse: Serve this velvety dessert alongside for an indulgent pairing perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy custard is another Italian delight that pairs wonderfully with cannoli cups’ texture and flavor profile.
- Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of espresso or coffee complements these sweet treats beautifully, enhancing their flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Cannoli Cups can be fun, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are key points to keep in mind.
- Not draining the ricotta properly – Ensure you drain the ricotta cheese well to avoid a watery filling. This will help maintain the texture of your Mini Cannoli Cups.
- Overbaking the pastry – Keep an eye on the pastry while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to hard cups instead of crispy, flaky ones. Aim for a golden-brown color.
- Skipping the flavoring – Don’t forget to add zest and vanilla extract for flavor. These ingredients enhance the overall taste and make your Mini Cannoli Cups more delightful.
- Filling too early – Wait until just before serving to fill the cups. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their crispiness.
- Ignoring decoration – Presentation matters! Dust with powdered sugar and add toppings like chocolate chips or pistachios for a beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups
- Freeze unfilled pastry cups in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Transfer them to an airtight container once frozen and store for up to 1 month.
Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place filled cups on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate, heat for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop – Place cups in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Mini Cannoli Cups, here are some common questions answered.
How do I make Mini Cannoli Cups?
To make Mini Cannoli Cups, prepare pie crusts with cinnamon and sugar, bake them, and fill with creamy ricotta mixture just before serving.
Can I customize my Mini Cannoli Cups?
Yes! Feel free to add different flavors or toppings like fruit, nuts, or flavored extracts to suit your taste.
What is the best way to store leftover cannoli cups?
Store any leftover filled cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days.
Are Mini Cannoli Cups suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Mini Cannoli Cups are easy to serve and perfect for any gathering or celebration. They are sure to impress your guests!
Final Thoughts
These Mini Cannoli Cups are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit your preferences. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy these charming treats with friends and family!
Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect bite-sized indulgence that will steal the show at any gathering! These delightful treats feature a flaky crust filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, making them an irresistible dessert option for both casual and festive occasions. With their elegant presentation and customizable toppings, these mini cannolis are not just delicious but also versatile enough to suit any palate. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday party, or simply treating yourself, these Mini Cannoli Cups are sure to impress guests of all ages. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of these charming desserts!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 (2 count)
- 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Lightly flour a surface, unroll pie crusts, sprinkle with turbinado sugar and cinnamon, and roll gently.
- Cut out 48 pastry rounds using a 2½-inch cookie cutter and press into ungreased mini muffin tins.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown; cool in pans for 15 minutes.
- Beat ricotta, sugars, zest, and vanilla until creamy; transfer to a zip-top bag and refrigerate.
- Just before serving, pipe filling into cooled cups and top with chocolate chips or pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup (30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
