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 are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet ending to your weeknight dinner. With a crispy shell and creamy filling, they bring the classic Italian dessert to a bite-sized form that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These Mini Cannoli Cups require minimal preparation and cook time, making them perfect even for novice bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the rich taste of ricotta cheese and hints of citrus zest, these cups are sure to impress your guests.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your cannoli cups with chocolate chips, pistachios, or even fresh fruit for a unique twist!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, these treats fit right in.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cups and filling ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for added convenience.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini muffin pan
• Rolling pin
• Cookie/biscuit cutter
• Electric mixer
• Zip-top resealable bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pan: This is crucial for shaping your cannoli cups perfectly. It helps achieve that nice cup shape that holds the filling wonderfully.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer ensures that your filling becomes creamy and smooth in no time, making it easier to pipe into the cups.

Ingredients

Be the star of any party or get-together with these amazingly easy and delicious Mini Cannoli Cups! A real crowd-pleaser!

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, softened as directed on box (2 count)
– 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
– additional powdered sugar

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

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.
• With a 2½-inch round cookie/biscuit cutter, cut out pastry rounds.
• Gently press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups. You may need to re-roll the pie crusts to cut out more circles until you have 48.

Step 3: Bake the Crusts

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 to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the cups are cooling, prepare your filling by beating all filling ingredients together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Place this mixture into a zip-top resealable bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cannoli Cups

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

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve your delicious Mini Cannoli Cups right away for best flavor and texture! Enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful dessert that can elevate any gathering. Their versatility allows for creativity in presentation and pairing, making them perfect for various occasions.

Individual Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Top each cup with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Add Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint on top adds a refreshing touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Drizzle Chocolate Sauce: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce over the filled cups provides an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
• Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair these cups with a hot beverage for a comforting dessert experience.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange mini cannoli cups alongside other sweets like macarons or brownies for an enticing dessert display.
• Use Edible Flowers: Garnish with edible flowers for a sophisticated touch that impresses guests.

How to Perfect Mini Cannoli Cups

Making perfect Mini Cannoli Cups is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh ricotta cheese and quality spices for the best flavor profile.
• Boldly Cool Before Filling: Allow the pastry cups to cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
• Boldly Pipe Carefully: Use a steady hand when piping the filling into the cups to avoid overfilling and messiness.
• Boldly Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts or spices to the filling, such as almond extract or nutmeg, for unique tastes.
• Boldly Store Properly: If not serving immediately, store unfilled pastry cups in an airtight container to retain their texture until ready to fill.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Cannoli Cups

Pairing side dishes with Mini Cannoli Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement their sweet flavors.

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits balances the richness of cannoli cups.
2. Bold Chocolate Fondue: Offer chocolate fondue with assorted dippables like fruits or marshmallows for interactive enjoyment.
3. Bold Creamy Gelato: Serve alongside gelato in flavors like vanilla or coffee for a luscious combination.
4. Bold Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide a delightful textural contrast when enjoyed together with cannoli cups.
5. Bold Espresso Shots: Small shots of espresso contrast nicely with the sweet creaminess of the cannoli filling.
6. Bold Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate between bites and adds a zesty touch.
7. Bold Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta on a cheese platter to balance sweetness with creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Cannoli Cups is a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the pastry cups to cool completely is essential. If you fill them while they’re still warm, the filling can melt and make a mess.
• Not Draining the Ricotta: Using un-drained ricotta can lead to a watery filling. Make sure to drain it well to achieve a creamy texture.
• Overfilling the Cups: Filling the cups too much can cause overflow. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of filling per cup for the perfect bite-sized treat.
• Neglecting Flavor Enhancements: Omitting zest or vanilla can dull the flavor. Always include these ingredients to elevate your cannoli cups.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Mixing cold ingredients can affect texture. Allow your ricotta and other filling ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mini Cannoli Cups

• Wrap individual cannoli cups tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mini Cannoli Cups

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Mini Cannoli Cups that you might find helpful.

How do I make Mini Cannoli Cups gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pie crusts instead of regular ones. Many brands offer great alternatives that work well!

Can I customize the filling for Mini Cannoli Cups?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like chocolate or coffee, or substitute with different types of cheese for unique variations.

How many servings do Mini Cannoli Cups yield?

This recipe yields about 48 mini cups, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.

What toppings work best on Mini Cannoli Cups?

Popular toppings include mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pistachios, or even fresh fruit for added flavor and crunch.

Can I prepare Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pastry cups in advance and fill them just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Mini Cannoli Cups are not just delicious but also versatile. They make a fantastic dessert option for any occasion, allowing you to get creative with fillings and toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and customize it according to your taste preferences!