Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cannoli cups! They’re like little bites of heaven, combining a crispy shell with a luscious, sweet ricotta cream filling. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite among my relatives. The best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a fancy dinner party or just a cozy night in. So, let’s dive into making these delightful mini cannoli cups that will wow your friends and family!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
How to Prepare Mini Cannoli Cups
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making those scrumptious mini cannoli cups! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful treats in no time. Remember, it’s all about the love you put into it (and maybe a little sprinkle of patience). Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want those cups to bake just right!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
- Now, crack in one large egg and pour in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix it all together until a nice dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable!
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
- Next, use a round cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles—about 3 inches in diameter works great. You should get around 12 circles.
- Now comes the fun part! Press each circle into the cups of a muffin tin, making sure to push the dough down to form a nice little cup shape. You can also use your fingers to pinch the edges for that authentic cannoli look!
- Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing—trust me!
- Once baked, let them cool completely in the tin. This step is crucial; otherwise, your filling will melt into a gooey mess!
- While those shells are cooling, let’s whip up the filling! In another bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips for that extra pop of sweetness. Yum!
- When the shells are completely cool, spoon the ricotta mixture into each cup. Fill them generously; you want every bite to be heavenly!
And there you have it! Your mini cannoli cups are ready to impress. Just wait until you see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful mini cannoli cups! Just a heads up, the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as estimates. But here’s a rough breakdown to get you started:
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cup
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
So, as you can see, these little treats are a fun indulgence without being overly heavy. Perfect for enjoying without any guilt! Happy eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re super quick to whip up—perfect for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings!
- Each mini cannoli cup is filled with a deliciously rich ricotta cream, making every bite a heavenly experience.
- These treats are incredibly versatile; you can customize the filling or toppings to suit any flavor preference.
- They look fancy, but they’re so easy to make, which is sure to impress your friends and family.
- Perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers.
- They’re fun to eat—who doesn’t love a cute little dessert cup?
- Mini cannoli cups can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy your event!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your mini cannoli cups turn out just as fabulous as you imagine! Here are some trusty tips that I’ve gathered over the years to help you nail this recipe:
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels a bit too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. It’ll be easier to roll out and shape, trust me!
- Even baking: Make sure to rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Oops, I learned that the hard way when I had some cups darker than others!
- Don’t skip cooling: Be patient and let those shells cool completely in the tin. It’s tempting to fill them right away, but this step is crucial for keeping that crispy texture!
- Ricotta choice: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in a bit of mascarpone for an extra luxurious touch!
- Filling flexibility: Feel free to customize the filling! You can add a hint of orange zest or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult twist. Yum!
- Presentation counts: For an extra wow factor, dust the filled cups with a little powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a lovely finish!
- Make them ahead: You can prepare the shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them right before serving to keep them fresh!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a mini cannoli cup pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Variations on Mini Cannoli Cups
Oh, the fun you can have with these mini cannoli cups! While the classic ricotta filling is absolutely divine, let me share some of my favorite variations that will really elevate your dessert game. Trust me, these ideas will have your taste buds dancing!
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Swap out half of the ricotta for chocolate hazelnut spread. You’ll get a rich, creamy filling that’s simply irresistible!
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some finely chopped fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries into the ricotta for a burst of flavor and freshness. You can even top the filled cups with more fruit for a gorgeous presentation!
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped pistachios or walnuts to the ricotta filling for a delightful crunch. It’s like a party in your mouth!
- Spiced Pear: For a seasonal twist, fold in some spiced pear puree (just cook down pears with a bit of cinnamon) into the filling. It’s cozy and comforting!
- Matcha Magic: Try incorporating a teaspoon of matcha powder into the ricotta for a unique flavor and a stunning green color. It’s a total showstopper!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the filled cups right before serving for an extra layer of sweetness that’s oh-so-decadent!
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the ricotta and fold in mini chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. Perfect for the mint lovers out there!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of mini cannoli cups is their versatility, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Enjoy the delicious journey!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delightful mini cannoli cups fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens), here’s what you need to do:
- Storage: Store your mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before you put them away, so they don’t get soggy!
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, which is a treat too, you can pop them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for just a few minutes. This will help revive that crispy shell without melting the filling.
- No microwave: I don’t recommend using the microwave for reheating because it tends to make the shells chewy instead of crispy. We want that lovely crunch, right?
- Freshly filled: If you’ve made the shells ahead of time, it’s best to fill them just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy that delightful contrast of textures!
With these storage and reheating tips, your mini cannoli cups will always be ready to impress, even on day two or three! Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these mini cannoli cups, the goal is to create a delightful dessert experience that will have everyone raving! Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving game and make your dessert table truly shine:
- Espresso or Coffee: Pair your mini cannoli cups with a rich cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cannoli like a match made in heaven!
- Fresh Berries: Serve a side of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a pop of color and freshness. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the filling beautifully.
- Creamy Gelato: Consider a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato alongside your cannoli cups. That creamy goodness will take your dessert to a whole new level of indulgence!
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the mini cannoli cups for an extra touch of decadence. Trust me, chocolate lovers will be in paradise!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to each bite. You can even flavor it with a hint of vanilla or almond extract for that extra oomph!
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It’s such a simple touch that transforms your plate into something special!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a dessert experience that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Get ready for compliments galore when you serve these mini cannoli cups alongside your carefully chosen accompaniments!
For more information on the history of cannoli, you can visit The Spruce Eats.
If you’re interested in exploring more dessert recipes, check out this chocolate mousse recipe or mini apple tarts.
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups: 7 Heavenly Bites of Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cannoli cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cannoli cups are a delightful dessert featuring a crispy shell filled with sweet ricotta cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add egg and melted butter, and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Press the circles into a muffin tin to form cups.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool completely.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooled cups.
Notes
- Store leftover cups in the refrigerator.
- Use different chocolate for variation.
- Can be topped with whipped cream for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mini cannoli cups, dessert, Italian dessert, ricotta cream
