Mini Cannoli Cups Treat

This creamy, sweet mini cannoli cup recipe transforms the traditional Italian dessert into adorable bite-sized treats perfect for entertaining. The crisp pie crust shells cradle a rich ricotta filling that balances perfectly between sweet and tangy, creating an irresistible dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I first made these mini cannoli cups for my daughter's birthday party when I wanted something special but manageable. The guests devoured them within minutes, and now they've become my signature dessert whenever I host family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crusts: The flaky texture creates the perfect shell without the hassle of making dough from scratch
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: The foundation of authentic cannoli flavor. Look for fresh ricotta that feels firm and not watery
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the ricotta without any graininess
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps stabilize the filling
• Citrus zest: Brightens the filling with subtle aromatic notes. Always use organic citrus for zesting
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Pure extract makes a noticeable difference
• Turbinado sugar: The larger crystals provide wonderful texture and caramelization on the crust
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the shells. Fresh ground cinnamon offers the best flavor
• Mini chocolate chips: Traditional cannoli topping that adds texture and rich chocolate flavor
• Pistachios: Optional alternative topping that adds beautiful color and nutty contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shells:

Create the base for these delectable treats by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie crusts on a clean surface and use a 3-inch round cutter to create perfect circles. Press each circle gently into mini muffin tins, being careful not to tear the dough. The sides should come up evenly around the edges. Prick the bottoms several times with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar:

Combine turbinado sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each dough cup. This step creates a delicious caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. Make sure to get some on both the bottom and sides of each cup.

Bake the Shells:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully around the 7-minute mark as the small cups can go from perfectly golden to overbrowned quickly. The shells should be crisp and golden brown when done. Allow them to cool completely in the tin before attempting to remove them.

Create the Filling:

While the shells cool, prepare your filling by combining ricotta, both sugars, citrus zest, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely smooth and all sugar has dissolved. The filling should hold its shape but still be creamy enough to pipe. If needed, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to achieve the perfect consistency.

Fill and Garnish:

Once shells are completely cooled, carefully remove them from the tin. Transfer your ricotta filling to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for the most professional look, or simply use a small spoon to fill each cup. Top each filled cup with either mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, pressing them gently into the filling.

Final Touch:

Just before serving, dust the tops with additional powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve. This final touch adds both visual appeal and an extra hint of sweetness that makes these mini cannoli cups absolutely irresistible.

The citrus zest is my secret weapon in this recipe. I learned from my Italian neighbor that authentic cannoli should always have that subtle brightness from either lemon or orange zest. It cuts through the richness of the ricotta and creates the perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Make-Ahead Options

These mini cannoli cups work wonderfully as a make-ahead dessert with some simple planning. For the best results, you can prepare and bake the shells up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply pipe the filling into the shells and add your toppings. This approach ensures the shells stay delightfully crisp while saving you precious time when entertaining.

Perfect Pairings

These mini cannoli cups partner beautifully with after-dinner coffee or espresso, creating a classic Italian dessert experience. For special occasions, try serving them alongside a glass of sweet Moscato d’Asti or Vin Santo wine to enhance the experience. The sweetness of the wine complements the creamy filling without overwhelming it. During summer gatherings, pair them with fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Cultural Significance

Cannoli originated in Sicily, where they were traditionally prepared during Carnevale season, which occurs before Lent. The tube-shaped pastries were said to be symbolic of fertility and were considered celebratory foods. This mini cup adaptation maintains the authentic flavors while making them more approachable for modern entertaining. While purists might insist on the traditional tube shape, these cups capture the essential flavor experience in a more accessible format.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare mini cannoli cups ahead of time?

You can bake the cannoli cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, fill them closer to serving time to maintain the crispness of the cups.

→ What type of ricotta is best for this filling?

Whole-milk ricotta provides the richest and creamiest texture for the filling. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing for the best consistency.

→ Can I use a different crust instead of pie crust?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough or puff pastry as an alternative, but the baking times may vary. Ensure they are crisp and golden before filling.

→ How can I make the filling lighter?

You can lighten the filling by folding in a small amount of whipped cream. This adds an airy texture to the ricotta mixture.

→ What other toppings work well for garnish?

In addition to chocolate chips or pistachios, you can try crushed hazelnuts, candied orange peel, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flavor.