Mini Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on an Italian Classic

Introduction

Cannoli are a beloved Italian dessert known for their crispy shells and sweet, creamy ricotta filling. They have become a staple in Italian-American bakeries and kitchens, with their rich flavors and indulgent textures making them a favorite of dessert lovers around the world. But while the traditional cannoli is undeniably delicious, sometimes you want a fun, easy-to-make version that’s just as tasty but a little more convenient. Enter Mini Cannoli Cups.

These bite-sized treats bring the same irresistible flavors of traditional cannoli but in a much simpler form. Instead of frying the delicate pastry shells, the shells are baked in a muffin tin, creating little edible cups that are filled with a smooth and creamy ricotta filling. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert that’s crunchy, creamy, and sweet—everything you love about cannoli, but without the fuss.

In this article, we’ll explore why Mini Cannoli Cups are a must-try dessert, guide you through step-by-step instructions to make them, and share tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, you’re sure to enjoy the crisp, creamy, and delightful flavors of these mini desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient and Easy: Unlike traditional cannoli that require deep frying, mini cannoli cups are baked in a muffin tin, making them much easier to prepare. They also have a cute, single-serving portion that’s perfect for parties or events.
• Crispy and Creamy: The combination of a crunchy baked shell and a smooth, sweet ricotta filling creates a delightful contrast of textures in each bite.
• Customizable: While the classic cannoli filling is made with ricotta cheese, you can easily add your own twist with different flavorings, fillings, and toppings. You can even make these gluten-free or dairy-free with simple ingredient swaps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or a simple weeknight dessert, mini cannoli cups are versatile and sure to be a hit. Their bite-sized form makes them ideal for sharing with guests.
• Impressive Yet Simple: These mini cannoli cups are impressive enough to serve at a special occasion, but they’re also simple enough to make as an everyday treat.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (25 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for baking, 15 minutes for assembling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 mini cannoli cups.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 280, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g.

Ingredients

For the Cannoli Shells:

• 1 package crescent roll dough (or puff pastry dough): Pre-made dough saves time and effort. The crescent roll dough, when baked, gives a soft, flaky texture that mimics traditional cannoli shells.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For sprinkling on top of the dough, adding a slight sweetness and a bit of texture.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: To complement the flavor of the shell and give it a hint of warmth.
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted): For brushing the dough, helping it to crisp up during baking and adding flavor.
• Mini muffin tin: This is what will shape the dough into little cannoli cups.

Cannoli Filling:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (drained): The main ingredient for the filling, ricotta provides the creamy, smooth texture that’s essential to a classic cannoli.
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese: Adds richness and a slightly tangy flavor to the filling, making it even creamier.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness without altering the smooth texture of the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling and complements the other ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the filling, balancing out the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: For a fresh, citrusy note that complements the richness of the ricotta and mascarpone.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Traditional cannoli often include chocolate chips in the filling, and these tiny morsels provide a sweet burst in every bite.
• Optional: Chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or candied orange peel for garnish.

For the Cannoli Shell Garnish:

• Extra mini chocolate chips: For sprinkling on top of the cannoli cups to give them an authentic touch.
• Powdered sugar: To dust the tops of the finished mini cannoli cups, giving them a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.

First Step: Prepare the Cannoli Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the oven to come to temperature while you prepare the dough.
2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough (or puff pastry dough) and separate it into individual triangles. If you are using crescent roll dough, gently press the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
3. Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into squares that will fit into the wells of a mini muffin tin. You should aim for about 3-inch squares, but this will depend on the size of your muffin tin. Each square will be placed into the muffin tin to form a shell.
4. Brush with Butter: Brush the dough squares with the melted butter, and then sprinkle with cinnamon and granulated sugar. This will create a slightly sweet and spiced flavor for the shells.
5. Bake the Shells: Place the dough squares into the mini muffin tin, gently pressing the corners down to create little cups. Bake the dough for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the tin.

Second Step: Prepare the Cannoli Filling

1. Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and let it drain for about 10 minutes to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure that your filling isn’t too runny.
2. Mix the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Sweeteners and Flavorings: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest to the cheese mixture. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. You can adjust the amount depending on how much chocolate you like in your filling.
5. Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the cannoli filling for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up and make it easier to pipe into the cannoli cups.

Third Step: Assemble the Mini Cannoli Cups

1. Fill the Cups: Once the cannoli shells are completely cooled, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta filling. If you’re using a piping bag, you can snip off the end and pipe the filling into each cup to make the process easier and cleaner.
2. Garnish the Cannoli Cups: Once filled, sprinkle the tops of the mini cannoli cups with extra mini chocolate chips, and if desired, garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or candied orange peel for an extra touch of color and flavor.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the mini cannoli cups with powdered sugar to give them a polished look and a sweet finish.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these mini cannoli cups immediately or store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They’re best enjoyed within a few hours, but they will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups are versatile and can be served in various settings. Here are some ideas to make the most of this delicious dessert:

1. As a Party Dessert

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Their individual size makes them easy to serve, and the variety of toppings and garnishes can make them look festive and impressive.

2. As a Special Occasion Dessert

Mini cannoli cups are elegant enough to serve at weddings, birthdays, or other special celebrations. You can even customize the toppings to fit the theme of the event, adding colors or special garnishes like edible flowers or gold dust for a sophisticated look.

3. With a Hot Beverage

Pair these mini cannoli cups with a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or tea for an Italian-inspired dessert experience. The warmth of the drink pairs beautifully with the cold, creamy filling.

4. For a Cozy Night In

If you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home, these mini cannoli cups are the perfect treat. They’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying, whether you’re indulging alone or sharing with a loved one.

Recipe Variations

While Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful as written, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Use Different Fillings

If you’re not a fan of ricotta or mascarpone, you can swap in other fillings. Try a cream cheese filling for a tangy twist, or use whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier texture.

2. Add More Toppings

Customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Chopped pistachios, slivered almonds, or shredded coconut all make great additions. For a more indulgent version, drizzle the cups with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

3. Make It Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pastry dough or a gluten-free pie crust. Many gluten-free dough options are available that would work perfectly in this recipe.

4. Go Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta and mascarpone with vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. Make sure to check the ingredients of your chosen dairy-free filling to ensure it’s thick and rich enough to hold up inside the cups.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups

1. Ensure the Shells Are Crisp: If the shells aren’t fully crisp before filling, they might become soggy once the filling is added. Make sure they’re golden and crispy before removing them from the oven.
2. Drain the Ricotta Well: A wet ricotta will make the filling runny, so be sure to drain it thoroughly. You can also use a cheesecloth to wrap the ricotta and squeeze out any excess moisture.
3. Pipe the Filling for a Clean Look: Using a piping bag makes it easier to fill the cups neatly. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off.
4. Serve Immediately or Refrigerate: While these mini cannoli cups can be made ahead of time, it’s best to fill them just before serving to ensure the shells stay crisp. You can prepare the shells and filling ahead of time, then assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

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Conclusion

Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavors of traditional cannoli but wants something simpler and easier to make. These bite-sized treats feature a crispy, buttery shell and a rich, creamy filling that combines the best of Italian desserts in one fun and delicious package. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, you can’t go wrong with these mini delights. Try them today, and experience the joy of cannoli in a whole new way!