If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that’s easy to make, mini cannoli cups are a great option. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet snack. With a crispy pie crust and creamy filling, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
To make mini cannoli cups, you’ll need just a few ingredients, including pie crusts, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. The pie crusts are cut into circles and baked until golden brown, then filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. The result is a delicious dessert that’s both sweet and creamy.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun and easy dessert recipe, mini cannoli cups are a great choice. They’re easy to customize with different flavors and toppings, so you can make them your own. Plus, they’re small enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 container (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cannoli Cups:
- 1 box (2 count) refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
- 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
- -additional powdered sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Lightly flour a work surface and unroll the pie crusts. Sprinkle both of the 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. (Note, you may need to gently re-roll the pie crusts and cut out more circles until you have 48 circles.)
3. Bake the crusts for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow cannoli cups to cool completely in the pans, about 15 minutes, before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. While the cups are cooling, prepare the filling by beating all of the filling ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Place the filling in a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag. Seal bag. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Just before serving, remove the filling from the refrigerator. Snip one corner off of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into the cooled pastry cups. Sprinkle cups with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. Dust with powdered sugar.
6. Serve immediately.
Enjoy these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups as a tasty dessert or snack!Â
Decoration Ideas
If you want to add a little extra something to your Mini Cannoli Cups, there are plenty of decoration ideas to choose from. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are a classic topping for cannolis, and they work just as well for Mini Cannoli Cups. Simply sprinkle a few chocolate chips over the top of each cup to add a touch of sweetness and crunch. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Powdered Sugar
For a simple yet elegant decoration, dust a little powdered sugar over the top of your Mini Cannoli Cups. This will give them a beautiful, snowy look that’s perfect for winter parties or holiday gatherings. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to evenly distribute the sugar, or simply sprinkle it on with a spoon.
Candied Fruit
If you want to add a pop of color and flavor to your Mini Cannoli Cups, consider using candied fruit as a topping. You can use chopped candied cherries, orange peel, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. Simply sprinkle a few pieces over the top of each cup, or arrange them in a decorative pattern.
No matter which decoration idea you choose, your Mini Cannoli Cups are sure to look and taste amazing. So get creative and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these delicious Mini Cannoli Cups, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A classic way to serve cannoli is to dust them with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation to your Mini Cannoli Cups.
- Fruit Toppings: For a fresh and fruity twist, top your Mini Cannoli Cups with fresh berries or sliced fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced peaches all work well.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the Mini Cannoli Cups. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Whipped Cream: If you want to add some extra creaminess to your Mini Cannoli Cups, top them with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.
- Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve your Mini Cannoli Cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the crispy pastry cups and the creamy ice cream is sure to be a hit.
No matter how you choose to serve your Mini Cannoli Cups, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and get creative with your toppings and enjoy this delicious Italian dessert!
Storage and Freshness Tips
Once you have made your Mini Cannoli Cups, you might be wondering how to store them to keep them fresh. Here are some tips to help you keep your Mini Cannoli Cups fresh for longer:
- Store your Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze your Mini Cannoli Cups, make sure they have completely cooled down first. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When you are ready to eat your frozen Mini Cannoli Cups, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- To keep your Mini Cannoli Cups crispy, store them separately from the filling. Fill them just before serving.
- If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can use it to make more Mini Cannoli Cups or as a topping for other desserts.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Mini Cannoli Cups for longer and ensure that they stay fresh and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the secret to crispy mini cannoli shells?
The secret to crispy mini cannoli shells is to make sure they are baked at the right temperature for the right amount of time. The oven should be preheated to 425°F (218°C) before baking the shells. Use a cutter to shape pastry rounds and fit them snugly into mini muffin tins. Bake until they turn a golden color. Allow these little shells to cool while you prepare the filling.
Can I use puff pastry for making cannoli cups?
While puff pastry can be used to make cannoli cups, it is not the best option. Puff pastry is flaky and delicate, which makes it difficult to shape into cannoli cups. It is better to use pie crusts or cannoli shells for making cannoli cups.
How can I prevent my cannoli cups from becoming soggy?
To prevent your cannoli cups from becoming soggy, make sure to let them cool completely before filling them. You can also brush the inside of the shells with melted chocolate to create a barrier between the filling and the shell.
Is there a simple way to make mini cannoli cups at home?
Yes, making mini cannoli cups at home is relatively simple. You will need pie crusts, a mini muffin tin, and a cannoli filling. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles. Place the circles into the muffin tin and bake until golden brown. Let the shells cool before filling them with the cannoli filling.
What are some good fillings for mini cannoli cups besides mascarpone?
Some good fillings for mini cannoli cups besides mascarpone include ricotta cheese, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and fruit fillings. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture.
How do you shape mini cannoli cups without special tubes?
To shape mini cannoli cups without special tubes, you can use a wooden spoon handle or a dowel. Wrap the dough around the handle and press the edges together to seal. Then, slide the dough off the handle and bake as directed.
