Be the star of any party or get-together with these amazingly easy and delicious Mini Cannoli Cups! A real crowd-pleaser, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Their unique cups filled with creamy ricotta filling make them a standout dessert that’s both fun and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these mini cannoli cups in no time!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized desserts are perfect for sharing and will impress your guests at any event.
- Versatile Filling Options: While the classic filling is delicious, you can easily customize it with different flavors or toppings.
- Beautiful Presentation: The mini cups look stunning on any dessert table, making them a great choice for special occasions.
- Fun to Eat: Each cup is a delightful one-bite treat that makes enjoying dessert both easy and enjoyable.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- 2½-inch round cookie/biscuit cutter
- Electric mixer
- 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini muffin tin: This is essential for shaping the pastry into the perfect cup form for your Mini Cannoli Cups.
- Electric mixer: It helps achieve a creamy texture for your filling, ensuring every bite is smooth and delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups:
For the Filling
- 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
For the Cups
- 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box (2 count)
- 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Toppings
- 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 high temperature will help create those crisp pastry cups.
Step 2: Prepare Pie Crusts
Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts. Sprinkle both of the pie crusts with turbinado sugar and cinnamon.
Step 3: Cut Out and Shape Pastry Rounds
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/biscuit cutter to cut out pastry rounds.
– Gently press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups.
– Note that you may need to gently re-roll the pie crusts and cut out more circles until you have 48 circles.
Step 4: Bake the Crusts
Bake the crusts for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, allow the cannoli cups to cool completely in their pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the cups are cooling, prepare the filling by beating all of the filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
– Transfer this mixture into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Step 6: Fill and Serve
Just before serving, take out your filling from the refrigerator. Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
– Top with either mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, then dust with additional powdered sugar.
– Serve immediately for best results!
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are versatile treats that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual gathering, these cups will impress your guests with their charm and flavor.
Individual Dessert Plates
- Serve each Mini Cannoli Cup on individual dessert plates for a classy touch.
- Add garnishes like fresh berries or mint leaves for added color and flavor.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the Mini Cannoli Cups on a large platter for a buffet-style serving.
- Mix different toppings, such as chocolate chips and pistachios, to create visual interest.
Coffee Pairing
- Pair Mini Cannoli Cups with a rich espresso or coffee.
- The combination enhances the dessert experience, making it perfect for an after-dinner treat.
Ice Cream Side
- Serve the cannoli cups alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream.
- This adds a creamy contrast to the crispy pastry cups.
Themed Decorations
- Decorate your serving table with Italian-themed decorations.
- Use checkered tablecloths or small Italian flags to set the mood for your dessert presentation.
How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups
To ensure your Mini Cannoli Cups are always a hit, follow these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate this dessert even further.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ricotta cheese enhances the taste significantly. Always use high-quality dairy for the best flavor.
- Customize fillings: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or fruits to the filling. This gives your cannoli cups a unique twist.
- Chill before serving: Allow the filling to chill well before piping it into the cups. This helps it hold its shape better and makes for easier piping.
- Don’t overfill: When piping the filling, avoid overfilling the cups. This keeps them neat and prevents any mess when served.
- Garnish creatively: Use various toppings, like chopped nuts or drizzles of chocolate sauce, for added texture and visual appeal.
- Storage tips: Store leftover filled cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within one day.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups
Pairing side dishes with your Mini Cannoli Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cannoli cups.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve mini fruit skewers alongside chocolate fondue for dipping. It adds an interactive element to your dessert table.
- Italian Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti pairs beautifully with cannoli cups, offering different textures while maintaining an Italian theme.
- Tiramisu Bites: Small tiramisu servings provide another popular Italian dessert option that complements mini cannoli well.
- Pistachio Muffins: Lightly flavored muffins echo the pistachio topping on some cannoli cups while enhancing flavor diversity.
- Gelato Selection: Offer various gelato flavors for guests to choose from, creating a delightful ice cream bar that pairs wonderfully with cannoli cups.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add savory elements that balance out the sweetness of desserts effectively.
- Coffee Cake Squares: A moist coffee cake is a fantastic addition, especially if served warm next to your sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Cannoli Cups can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Overmixing the filling: This can lead to a runny texture. Mix just until creamy for the right consistency.
- Skipping the cooling time: If you fill warm pastry cups, they may become soggy. Always let them cool completely before adding the filling.
- Using unseasoned pie crusts: This will result in bland cannoli cups. Make sure to sprinkle your crusts with sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Not draining the ricotta properly: Wet ricotta can make your filling too watery. Drain it well to achieve a thick and creamy filling.
- Filling too early: If you fill them too soon, the pastry may lose its crunch. Fill just before serving for maximum freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store filled Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups
- Freeze unfilled cups in a single layer in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 1 month; just thaw at room temperature before filling.
Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, but this may soften the pastry.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat in a skillet, but monitor closely to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mini Cannoli Cups.
How long does it take to make Mini Cannoli Cups?
The total time is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use different fillings for Mini Cannoli Cups?
Absolutely! You can customize with flavors like chocolate, coffee, or fruit preserves.
Are Mini Cannoli Cups suitable for special diets?
These treats can be adapted gluten-free by using gluten-free pie crusts and dairy-free options if needed.
What other toppings can I use on my Mini Cannoli Cups?
Consider using crushed nuts, sprinkles, or fresh fruits as delightful toppings.
Final Thoughts
Mini Cannoli Cups are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various fillings and toppings, making them perfect for parties or a cozy family dessert. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe at home!
Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect bite-sized dessert that transforms any gathering into a memorable occasion. These delightful treats feature a crispy pastry shell filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, making them both fun and flavorful. Whether for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or casual get-togethers, these mini cannolis are sure to impress your guests. With easy preparation and versatile filling options, you can whip up these sweet snacks in no time. Elevate your dessert table with Mini Cannoli Cups that not only taste amazing but also look stunning!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon zest
- 1 box refrigerated pie crusts
- Turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- Toppings: miniature chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Unroll pie crusts on a floured surface and sprinkle with turbinado sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll gently, then cut circles using a cookie cutter. Press each circle into greased mini muffin tins.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown; cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- Beat ricotta, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, zest, and vanilla until creamy. Transfer to a zip-top bag and chill.
- Pipe filling into cooled pastry cups just before serving and top with your choice of chocolate chips or pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
