Mini Cannoli Cups

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 combine a creamy filling with crispy pastry cups, making them perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence at home. Their bite-sized nature means everyone can enjoy them without feeling guilty, and they are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These Mini Cannoli Cups are always a hit at parties, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
• Versatile Filling Options: Customize the filling with your favorite flavors or toppings for a unique twist.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the pastry cups and filling in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Beautiful Presentation: Their elegant look makes them perfect for special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• 2½-inch round cookie cutter
• Mini muffin pan
• Electric mixer
• Zip-top resealable bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps flatten dough evenly, ensuring consistent pastry thickness.
• Mini muffin pan: Creates perfectly shaped cups for your cannoli filling.
• Electric mixer: Makes blending the filling quick and easy, achieving a smooth texture.

Ingredients

To create these Mini Cannoli Cups, gather the following ingredients:

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

For Topping

• 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. This step is vital to ensure your pastry cups bake perfectly and become golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts

• Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts.
• Sprinkle both pie crusts with turbinado sugar and cinnamon.
• 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 cutter to cut out pastry rounds.
• Gently press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups. You may need to re-roll and cut more circles until you have 48.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry Cups

Bake the crusts for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool completely in the pans (about 15 minutes) before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the cups are cooling:
* Beat all filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
* Transfer the filling into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag. Seal tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Fill and Garnish the Cups

Just before serving:
* Remove the filling from refrigeration.
* Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
* Top each cup with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, then dust with powdered sugar.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your delightful Mini Cannoli Cups right away for maximum flavor and freshness!

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Their delightful taste and charming presentation make them a hit at parties, celebrations, or even casual family dinners. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious treats.

Individual Dessert Plates

• Arrange each Mini Cannoli Cup on individual dessert plates for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of mint for added color and freshness.

Party Platter

• Create a stunning dessert platter by arranging several Mini Cannoli Cups together. Add fresh berries around the cups for a pop of color and a fruity complement.

Dessert Bar

• Set up a mini dessert bar featuring Mini Cannoli Cups alongside other sweet treats. Provide toppings like extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit compote for guests to customize their servings.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve Mini Cannoli Cups with freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The rich flavors of the desserts pair beautifully with the boldness of coffee, making it an ideal combination.

Takeaway Treats

• Package Mini Cannoli Cups in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home. This not only adds a personal touch but also lets everyone enjoy these delights later.

How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups

To ensure your Mini Cannoli Cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow your ricotta cheese and other filling ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
• Don’t skip the draining – Properly drain the ricotta cheese to prevent soggy cups. Excess moisture can lead to a less-than-perfect filling consistency.
• Pipe just before serving – For the best texture, fill the cups right before serving. This keeps the pastry crisp and prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to customize your filling by adding different citrus zests or flavor extracts. This allows you to create unique variations of your Mini Cannoli Cups.
• Chill before serving – Refrigerating the filled cups for about 30 minutes enhances their flavor and allows them to set nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups

Pairing side dishes with your Mini Cannoli Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their sweetness perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cannoli cups.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – These classic treats provide an additional chocolatey indulgence that pairs well with cannoli.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your Mini Cannoli Cups creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
4. Coffee Granita – This icy coffee dessert offers a refreshing finish, enhancing the overall Italian theme of your meal.
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites – These bite-sized cheesecakes create variety while maintaining a sweet theme that complements cannoli.
6. Pistachio Cookies – Offering nutty flavors through pistachio cookies ties back to any pistachio toppings you might use on your cannoli cups.
7. Coconut Macaroons – Their chewy texture and sweetness pair wonderfully with the creamy filling of Mini Cannoli Cups.
8. Almond Biscotti – Crunchy biscotti add an interesting texture contrast and enhance the Italian-inspired dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Cannoli Cups can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert shines!

• Overmixing the Filling: Be careful not to overbeat the ricotta mixture. Mix just until creamy for a smooth texture.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow the pastry cups to cool completely before filling. This helps prevent sogginess and maintains their crispness.
• Skipping Zest: Don’t skip the orange or lemon zest! It adds essential flavor. Use fresh zest for the best taste.
• Not Using Enough Sugar: Ensure you measure your sugars accurately for sweetness. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Filling Too Early: Pipe the filling into the cups just before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents the pastry from getting soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept for up to 2 days before they start losing their crunch.

Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups

• For longer storage, freeze the empty pastry cups without filling.
• Place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat pastry cups for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, but avoid this method if possible as it may make them chewy.
• Stovetop: Briefly heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes for optimal crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mini Cannoli Cups that may help you along the way.

Can I make Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cups ahead of time and fill them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re looking for alternatives, mascarpone cheese or a plant-based cream cheese can work well in this recipe.

How do I customize my Mini Cannoli Cups?

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can add extracts like almond or mint, or mix in other ingredients like fruit purees.

Can I use different toppings for my Mini Cannoli Cups?

Absolutely! You can use crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even fresh fruit as toppings instead of chocolate chips or pistachios.

Final Thoughts

Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with elegance. Perfect for any occasion, they allow room for creativity and customization. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these treats will impress everyone who tries them! Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings to make them your own!