These Mini Cannoli Cups bring a playful and modern twist to the traditional Italian cannoli. With crispy golden pastry shells and a creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling, they’re perfect for parties, afternoon treats, or a sweet bite after dinner. The light cinnamon spice and chocolate chips add layers of flavor that are both nostalgic and indulgent. Their bite-sized nature makes them a versatile option for dessert tables, potlucks, or even elegant receptions. The simplicity of preparation combined with their stunning visual appeal means you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Garnish them with crushed pistachios, a cherry, or a dusting of sugar for that final bakery-finish look.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
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1/3 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Optional toppings: crushed pistachios, extra chocolate chips, maraschino cherries
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
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Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles that fit into the wells of the mini muffin tin.
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Press each round into the muffin tin to form small cups. Brush with beaten egg.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool completely.
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In a bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
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Fold in mini chocolate chips.
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Spoon the filling into a piping bag and pipe into cooled pastry cups.
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Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal | Servings: 24 mini cups
Mini Cannoli Cups: A Modern Twist on an Italian Classic
Cannoli are a timeless symbol of Italian dessert tradition, originating from Sicily and known worldwide for their crispy shell and sweet, creamy ricotta filling. But as lifestyles become busier and the need for simple yet elegant treats grows, home cooks and bakers have found creative ways to reinterpret this beloved classic. Enter Mini Cannoli Cups a delightful reinvention that offers all the flavors of traditional cannoli without the fuss of frying or handling delicate pastry tubes. These petite desserts are perfect for parties, celebrations, or whenever you crave a bite-sized indulgence that delivers big on flavor and presentation.
The Allure of Cannoli: A Brief History
Cannoli have deep roots in Sicilian culture, with their history stretching back to the Arab occupation of Sicily around the 9th century. Originally served during Carnevale, a festival celebrated before Lent, cannoli symbolized fertility and festivity. Over time, the dessert became popular year-round, making its way across Italy and into international cuisine, especially in regions with significant Italian-American populations.
Traditional cannoli involve rolling dough into tubes, deep-frying until crisp, and then filling them with a sweet ricotta mixture often infused with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus zest, or chocolate chips. While undeniably delicious, traditional cannoli can be time-consuming and require specialized tools such as metal cannoli molds.
Why Mini Cannoli Cups Are the Perfect Modern Dessert
Mini Cannoli Cups provide all the deliciousness of traditional cannoli but with an easier, mess-free preparation method. Instead of deep-frying, this version uses refrigerated pie crusts baked in mini muffin tins to form perfectly crisp, golden cups. The classic ricotta-mascarpone filling remains the star, offering a luscious and smooth texture that complements the crunch of the pastry.
This no-fry method appeals to today’s home cooks who may be looking for more approachable, family-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on authenticity or flavor. They’re also safer and more practical, especially if you’re preparing desserts with kids or for large groups.
Taste and Texture: A Harmonious Balance
What makes Mini Cannoli Cups stand out is their wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. The shell, while baked instead of fried, still delivers a satisfying crunch with a buttery, flaky profile thanks to the pie crust. Meanwhile, the filling is luxuriously creamy, offering just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the slight tang of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses. The addition of mini chocolate chips adds pops of chocolatey richness, while ground cinnamon and vanilla extract elevate the aroma and depth of flavor.
Optional garnishes like chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or a dusting of powdered sugar not only add visual appeal but also introduce new layers of taste and texture, making each cup feel like a mini masterpiece.
Versatility That Fits Any Occasion
Mini Cannoli Cups shine in their versatility. They’re elegant enough for holiday dessert tables and wedding receptions, yet easy enough to whip up for a casual family gathering or Sunday brunch. Their compact size makes them perfect for potlucks and buffets, where guests can easily grab and enjoy them without utensils or plates.
These cups are also a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can bake the pastry shells in advance and store them in an airtight container. The filling can be prepared and refrigerated separately. When it’s time to serve, simply pipe or spoon the filling into the cups and garnish as desired. This separation also helps maintain the shell’s crispness, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Customization Ideas for Creative Twists
One of the most exciting aspects of Mini Cannoli Cups is how easily they can be customized to suit different palates and dietary preferences. Here are a few creative ideas:
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Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, tangy kick.
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Nutty Finish: Garnish with finely chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
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Berry Boost: Top each cup with a fresh raspberry, blueberry, or slice of strawberry for color and sweetness.
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Chocolate Shells: Brush the inside of each cup with melted chocolate and let it harden before adding the filling.
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Spiced Filling: Try spicing the filling with nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, exotic flavor twist.
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Savory Variation: Omit the sugar and go savory fill the cups with herbed ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes or a whipped feta mousse for an appetizer spin.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Because they’re bite-sized, sweet, and visually appealing, Mini Cannoli Cups are a big hit with kids. They can also be a fun family project little hands can help press the dough into muffin tins, mix the filling, or add toppings. This recipe provides a great introduction to baking for young kitchen helpers, encouraging creativity and hands-on involvement.
For larger gatherings, the recipe scales up easily, making it ideal for entertaining. Guests are often intrigued by their appearance and delighted by their flavor, making them a conversation starter at dessert tables. They’re also easier to portion and transport compared to full-size cannoli.
Nutritional Perspective
While not exactly health food, Mini Cannoli Cups are a lighter option compared to deep-fried cannoli, especially if portion control is important. Using pie crust instead of fried pastry reduces oil content, and the filling can be adjusted to be lower in sugar or fat depending on preferences—substitute low-fat ricotta or use a sugar alternative if needed.
They’re also naturally portioned, which helps prevent overindulgence and allows you to enjoy the flavors of a classic cannoli in a more balanced way.
Conclusion:
Mini Cannoli Cups beautifully blend tradition with convenience. They capture the essence of authentic Italian cannoli rich, creamy, and indulgent but simplify the process in a way that’s accessible to even the most novice baker. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself on a weekend, these little cups of joy are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
They’re a reminder that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or master complex techniques to enjoy sophisticated desserts. With a handful of ingredients, a muffin tin, and a little creativity, you can bring the spirit of Sicily into your home in a format that’s practical, versatile, and utterly delicious.