Mini Cannoli Cups: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Mini Cannoli Cups*! They’re a delightful twist on the traditional cannoli that I’ve come to adore. Imagine biting into a crispy shell that hugs a luscious, creamy ricotta filling – it’s pure bliss! I remember growing up, my family would gather around the table during holidays, and my aunt would always bring a platter of cannoli. We’d devour them in no time, laughing and sharing stories. Now, I love making these mini versions because they’re just as delicious and way easier to share! Plus, they’re perfect for parties or just a sweet treat after dinner. Trust me, once you try these Mini Cannoli Cups, you’ll never want to go back to the regular ones! They’re a wonderful way to bring a taste of Italy right into your kitchen, and they always leave my guests wanting more. Let’s dive into how to whip these up!

Ingredients List

To make these scrumptious Mini Cannoli Cups, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Filling:
• 1 container whole-milk ricotta cheese, 15 oz., drained
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cannoli Cups:
• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box (2 count)
• 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Garnish:
• ¼ cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
• additional powdered sugar for dusting

How to Prepare Mini Cannoli Cups

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 425°F! Preheating is super important because it ensures that your Mini Cannoli Cups start baking at the right temperature, giving them that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Prepare the Pie Crusts

Now, let’s roll out those pie crusts! Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Sprinkle them generously with turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon – oh, the smell is just heavenly! Then, take a rolling pin and gently roll over the crusts to press the sugar and cinnamon into the dough. This step is crucial for flavor! Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out pastry rounds, making sure to get as many as you can from each crust. Gently press each round into the ungreased mini muffin cups, creating a little shell for your filling.

Bake the Cannoli Cups

Time to bake! Place those mini muffin tins in the oven and let them bake for about 10 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them because we want that perfect color! Once baked, let the cannoli cups cool completely in the pans for about 15 minutes. This cooling time is essential, as it helps them firm up before adding the filling.

Make the Filling

While the cups are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious ricotta filling! In a mixing bowl, beat together the drained whole-milk ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, orange or lemon zest, and vanilla extract until it’s all creamy and smooth. You want it fluffy but still thick enough to hold its shape. Once it’s ready, transfer the filling into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag and pop it in the refrigerator for a bit to chill.

Assemble and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Just before serving, take that chilled filling and cut a small corner off the zip-top bag. Pipe about a tablespoon of that creamy goodness into each cooled pastry cup. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar. It’s best to fill the cups right before serving to keep them crispy and delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: These Mini Cannoli Cups come together quickly with simple steps, making them perfect for any home cook.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of creamy ricotta, sweet citrus zest, and crunchy shells creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These bite-sized treats are a hit at parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings with your favorite nuts or chocolate for a personal touch!
• Impressive Presentation: They look stunning on any dessert table, making you the star of the show!

Tips for Success

To make your Mini Cannoli Cups truly shine, here are some pro tips that’ll take them to the next level! First, make sure to strain the ricotta cheese well before using it. This extra step gets rid of excess moisture, ensuring your filling is thick and creamy without making the cups soggy. Also, fill the cannoli cups right before serving to keep that delightful crunch. If you want to elevate the flavor even more, consider dipping the top edge of the cups in melted chocolate before filling. It adds a rich touch that everyone will love!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, these Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful option! Each cup is estimated to contain around 71 calories, with about 4 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. They also have approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Enjoy indulging in these tasty treats while keeping an eye on those numbers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

Can I make these Mini Cannoli Cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cannoli cups and filling separately in advance. Store the pastry cups at room temperature in an airtight container, and keep the filling in the refrigerator. Just remember to fill the cups right before serving to maintain that crispy texture!

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta on hand, mascarpone cheese is a fantastic alternative! It will give you a rich and creamy filling that’s equally delicious. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar accordingly!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover filled Mini Cannoli Cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have some left, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’re still tasty for a day or two, but the shells may lose some crunch over time. If you want to keep them crispy, store the filling and cups separately.

Can I use different toppings?

Definitely! While I love using miniature chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, feel free to get creative. Shredded coconut, crushed almonds, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can add a delightful twist!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Mini Cannoli Cups experience, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of creamy gelato for a delightful contrast. A rich espresso or a light dessert wine also pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the cannoli. Trust me, your guests will swoon!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your leftover Mini Cannoli Cups fresh, store the filled cups in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to maintain their crispy texture, store the filling and cups separately. For reheating, enjoy them cold, as they’re best served fresh!

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