Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making mini cannoli cups! These delightful little desserts are not just adorable; they’re absolutely bursting with flavor! I’ve always had a soft spot for Italian desserts, and these bite-sized wonders are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a fancy dinner party or just a cozy night in. The crispy phyllo cups cradling the sweet ricotta filling and chocolate chips are simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these mini cannoli cups shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package mini phyllo cups: These crispy little shells are the perfect vessel for our filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Use fresh ricotta for that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness without being too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor beautifully—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love chocolate in their cannoli?
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling: This is the finishing touch that makes them extra special!
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create something truly delicious!
How to Prepare Mini Cannoli Cups
Getting those mini cannoli cups ready is such a fun and simple process! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can whip these up in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your phyllo cups will get all nice and crispy while baking. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Bake the Phyllo Cups
Now, grab your mini phyllo cups and place them on a baking sheet. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last couple of minutes—things can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
Prepare the Filling
While those cups are baking, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! This creamy filling is what makes the mini cannoli cups so delightful.
Assemble the Mini Cannoli Cups
Once your phyllo cups are out of the oven and cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them up! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into your ricotta mixture, then spoon it generously into each phyllo cup. Don’t be shy; fill them up! Finally, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for that extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
Chill Before Serving
Now, the hard part—waiting! Place your filled mini cannoli cups in the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes. This step really helps the flavors meld together and makes for a refreshing dessert. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini cannoli cups are an absolute game-changer for dessert lovers! Here’s why you’ll adore making them:
- Bite-sized bliss: Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- Quick and easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
- Impressive presentation: They look gorgeous on any dessert table, making you the star of the show.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make them your own!
- Family-friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love these delightful treats.
Honestly, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
Want to take your mini cannoli cups to the next level? Here are my top tips for a truly delightful experience!
- Go for mascarpone: If you want a richer and creamier filling, try substituting mascarpone cheese for half of the ricotta. It adds an incredible depth of flavor!
- Top with nuts: For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds on top right before serving. It adds a lovely texture contrast!
- Chill longer: If you have the time, let your mini cannoli cups chill for an hour or so. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel for a twist.
These little tips will elevate your mini cannoli cups and leave everyone wanting more!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to get creative with your mini cannoli cups! Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Fruit-filled: Swap out the chocolate chips for fresh fruit like diced strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty goodness: Mix in some finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the ricotta filling for an added crunch.
- Citrus zing: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Chocolate lovers: For an even richer treat, use chocolate ricotta or add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey delight.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect mini cannoli cups!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided general information here, it’s not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust according to your preferences and dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making mini cannoli cups? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and phyllo cups in advance, just assemble them and chill right before serving for that fresh taste.
What can I use instead of ricotta?
If you’re looking for a richer filling, mascarpone cheese works beautifully in place of ricotta—trust me, it’s divine!
How long do they last?
Mini cannoli cups are best enjoyed within a couple of days. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze mini cannoli cups?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing them after they’re filled, but you can freeze the empty phyllo cups. Just fill them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What other toppings can I use?
You can get creative! Try drizzling with caramel, adding fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
These tips should set you on the right path to making the most delicious mini cannoli cups!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this article on cannoli or try this creamy pasta recipe for a delightful meal pairing!
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups: 7 Irresistible Sweet Delights to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cannoli cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cannoli cups are bite-sized desserts filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips, served in crispy pastry shells.
Ingredients
- 1 package mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Mix until smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the ricotta mixture.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mascarpone cheese for a richer filling.
- Top with chopped nuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cannoli cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: mini cannoli cups, dessert, Italian dessert, bite-sized desserts
