Mini Cannoli Cups

If you love cannoli but don’t want the hassle of frying delicate dough, these Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect solution. With the same delicious flavor and creamy filling, these bite-sized treats are a fun and easy twist on the classic Italian dessert. Made with buttery pie crusts baked into mini cups, filled with a luscious ricotta filling, and topped with chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, these mini cannoli cups are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.

These cannoli cups are incredibly simple to make, yet they deliver on flavor and presentation. The creamy, sweet filling is balanced by the crisp, cinnamon-sugar crust, and the added garnishes give them a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a dessert for a special occasion, or just as a treat for yourself, these mini cannoli cups are a perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cannoli Cups

• Quick and Easy: Using pre-made pie crusts eliminates the need for complicated dough-making, making these mini cannoli cups simple and fast to prepare.
• Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized treats are the ideal dessert for gatherings, offering the familiar flavors of cannoli in a fun, shareable form.
• Versatile Toppings: You can customize the toppings by using chocolate chips, pistachios, or even maraschino cherries, making each bite unique.
• No Frying Needed: Unlike traditional cannoli, these mini cups are baked, so there’s no need for frying, making them a lighter and less messy option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their creamy filling and crispy shell, these mini cannoli cups are sure to be a hit with everyone who loves Italian desserts.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Whole-milk ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Orange or lemon zest (finely grated)
• Vanilla extract

For the Cannoli Cups:

• Refrigerated pie crusts (2-count)
• Turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
• Ground cinnamon

For Garnish:

• Miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
• Additional powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free version, such as cashew cream or coconut-based ricotta, and use a plant-based pie crust.
• Different Zests: Experiment with other citrus zests, like lime or grapefruit, to give the filling a unique flavor profile.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the garnish for a different texture, or drizzle some caramel sauce over the finished cannoli cups for an added indulgence.
• Liqueur Flavored: Add a splash of sweet liqueurs, such as amaretto or limoncello, to the filling for a boozy twist.

How to Make the Mini Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and lay them flat. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need about 8-10 circles depending on the size of your cutter.

Step 2: Form the Cannoli Cups

Lightly grease a muffin tin. Gently press each dough circle into the cups of the muffin tin, forming small shells. The dough should fit snugly into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup.

Step 3: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon. Brush each dough cup with a little water or butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Cannoli Cups

Bake the pie crusts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, orange or lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Cannoli Cups

Once the baked pie crusts have cooled, spoon the ricotta filling into each cup, filling them generously but without overfilling. Use a spoon or piping bag for neatness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top each mini cannoli cup with a sprinkle of miniature semisweet chocolate chips, finely chopped pistachios, or both. Dust with additional powdered sugar for a finished touch, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crispier Shells: If the pie crusts don’t become crispy enough, try brushing them with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mix on top for added richness and crunch.
• Chill the Filling: If you prefer a firmer filling, refrigerate the ricotta mixture for about 30 minutes before filling the cups. This helps the mixture firm up for easier handling.
• Pre-Bake the Cups: If you want a more evenly baked crust, you can pre-bake the pie crust cups without filling them for 5-7 minutes to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Piping the Filling: For a cleaner presentation, pipe the ricotta filling into the cups using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off.

How to Serve

Mini cannoli cups are perfect for any occasion:

• Party Desserts: These bite-sized treats are great for serving at gatherings and parties. They’re easy to eat and look impressive on a dessert platter.
• After Dinner Treat: Serve these mini cannoli cups as a sweet finish to an Italian meal, paired with a cup of espresso or dessert wine.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Bring these mini cannoli cups to a picnic or potluck. They travel well and don’t require any utensils, making them the perfect handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the pie crusts may lose some of their crispiness after being stored.

Freezing

You can freeze the filled cannoli cups for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator, then add the toppings just before serving.

Reheating

To refresh the crusts before serving, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Add the filling and garnishes after reheating to prevent the toppings from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust cups and filling ahead of time. Assemble the cannoli cups just before serving to keep the crusts crisp.

2. Can I use a different crust for the cups?

You can use other pre-made dough, such as puff pastry or phyllo dough, for a different texture, but pie crust is the traditional choice for a buttery, crisp cup.

3. How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute gluten-free pie crust for the regular pie crust to make these cannoli cups gluten-free. Be sure to use a gluten-free ricotta alternative if necessary.

4. Can I use flavored ricotta for the filling?

You can use flavored ricotta, like lemon or vanilla, for a unique twist on the classic filling. Just ensure the flavors complement the cinnamon-sugar crust.

5. How long do the cannoli cups stay fresh?

The cannoli cups are best eaten within a day or two of making them. The crusts will start to soften over time.

6. Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon-sugar topping if you prefer a plain crust. The filling is sweet enough on its own, but the cinnamon-sugar adds an extra layer of flavor.

7. Can I use a different topping?

You can use a variety of toppings, such as maraschino cherries, mini candy pieces, or shredded coconut, for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I make the ricotta filling sweeter?

Yes, adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more powdered sugar to taste.

9. Can I make a larger version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use larger pie crusts to make bigger cups, though you may need to adjust the baking time.

10. Can I pipe the filling into the cups?

Yes, using a piping bag will give you a cleaner presentation and help distribute the filling evenly.

Conclusion

Mini Cannoli Cups are a fun, easy twist on the traditional Italian dessert, offering all the flavor of a classic cannoli in a convenient and bite-sized form. With their crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust and creamy, flavorful ricotta filling, these mini treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, after a meal, or just as a sweet indulgence, these mini cannoli cups are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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