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 birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence. The unique combination of crispy pastry and creamy filling makes them irresistible. Plus, they are simple to prepare, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These Mini Cannoli Cups come together quickly, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their bite-sized nature means everyone can enjoy a taste without feeling guilty!
- Versatile Filling Options: While this recipe features a classic ricotta filling, you can easily customize it with different flavors or toppings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or casual gathering, these cannoli cups fit right in.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pastry cups in advance and fill them just before serving for a stress-free experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Mini Cannoli Cups, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini muffin pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cookie/biscuit cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini muffin pan: This tool is crucial for shaping your cannoli cups perfectly.
- Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness in the pie crusts for consistent baking.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending the ricotta filling to creamy perfection.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your 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 Pastry 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 for dusting
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pastry cups bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
- Lightly flour a work surface.
- Unroll the pie crusts and sprinkle them with turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Gently roll a rolling pin over the top of the pie crusts to press in the sugar and cinnamon.
- Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter to cut out pastry rounds.
- Gently press each round into ungreased mini muffin cups. You may need to re-roll scraps and cut more circles until you have 48.
Step 3: Bake the Pastry Cups
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: Make the Filling
While your pastry cups cool, prepare the filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat all filling ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
2. Transfer this mixture into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag. Seal it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Fill and Serve
Just before serving:
1. Remove the filling from the refrigerator.
2. Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
3. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios and dust with additional powdered sugar.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve your Mini Cannoli Cups immediately for maximum freshness!
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply a sweet ending to dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Elegant Platter Presentation
- Arrange the Mini Cannoli Cups on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching display. You can garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Pair with Coffee
- Serve your Mini Cannoli Cups alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso. The rich flavors pair beautifully with the creamy filling and crispy crust.
Dessert Buffet
- Include Mini Cannoli Cups as part of a dessert buffet. Offer a variety of toppings like chocolate chips and pistachios so guests can customize their cups.
Kids’ Party Treats
- These mini desserts are perfect for kids’ parties! Set up a decorating station where children can add their favorite sprinkles or toppings to the cannoli cups.
Seasonal Variations
- Consider changing up the filling based on the season. For instance, adding pumpkin spice during fall can create a festive twist on this classic dessert.
Individual Takeaways
- Package Mini Cannoli Cups in small boxes for guests to take home. This makes for a thoughtful party favor that everyone will love!
How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups
To ensure your Mini Cannoli Cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ricotta cheese and high-quality chocolate chips to enhance flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the pastry cups; they should hold just enough filling without spilling over.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the filled cannoli cups for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts or zests to the filling, such as almond extract or lemon zest, for unique variations.
- Serve Immediately: For best texture, serve filled cups soon after preparing; this prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead Options: Prepare the pastry cups in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to fill and serve.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups
While Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent choices:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of cannoli cups.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats offer a lovely contrast and are always a hit at parties.
- Italian Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide texture and flavor that pairs well with creamy desserts.
- Gelato Assortment: Serve scoops of gelato alongside the cannoli cups for an indulgent Italian-inspired dessert spread.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of roasted nuts adds crunch and complements the flavors of cannoli cups nicely.
- Espresso Shots: Offering strong espresso shots enhances the tasting experience and cleanses the palate between bites.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside as an extra dip or drizzle option.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers balance and is especially good if you have savory options at your gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Cannoli Cups can be simple, but there are pitfalls that can ruin your dessert. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using wet ricotta cheese: Ensure your ricotta is well-drained. Excess moisture can make the filling runny and unappetizing.
- Overbaking the crusts: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked cups can become hard instead of crispy and flaky.
- Not chilling the filling: Skip this step, and you might end up with a warm, messy filling that doesn’t pipe well into the cups. Always refrigerate before use.
- Skipping the zest: Omitting the citrus zest will dull the flavor. It adds a refreshing taste that elevates your Mini Cannoli Cups.
- Neglecting presentation: Avoid a plain look by garnishing with chocolate chips or pistachios. A little extra effort makes your treats visually appealing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the filling separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups
- You can freeze unfilled pastry cups for up to 2 months.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Mini Cannoli Cups, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry cups in advance, but fill them just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Mascarpone or cream cheese can work as alternatives but may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I customize my Mini Cannoli Cups?
Consider adding flavors like almond extract or different toppings like fruit or nuts for variety!
Are Mini Cannoli Cups gluten-free?
To make gluten-free options, substitute pie crusts with gluten-free dough available at many stores.
Final Thoughts
Mini Cannoli Cups are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. They’re perfect for any occasion and allow for customization based on your preferences. Whether you stick to traditional flavors or experiment with new ones, these delightful treats are sure to impress!
Mini Cannoli Cups
Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect bite-sized treats that combine crispy pastry with a rich, creamy filling. These delightful desserts are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for any occasion—from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. With their customizable fillings and toppings, Mini Cannoli Cups allow for creative expression while ensuring that every guest can enjoy a sweet indulgence. Impress your friends and family with these irresistible Italian pastries that promise to be the star of your dessert table!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 48 Mini Cannoli Cups
- 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
- Toppings: miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon, then roll gently with a rolling pin.
- Cut out 2½-inch rounds using a cookie cutter and press each round into ungreased mini muffin cups.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown; cool completely in the pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, zest, and vanilla until creamy.
- Transfer the filling into a resealable bag, refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Pipe filling into cooled pastry cups and top with chocolate chips or chopped pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup (30g)
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 57mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
