Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
If you are a fan of classic Italian desserts but want something a little quicker, cuter, and incredibly fun to serve, this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These delightful bite-sized treats capture all the charm of traditional cannoli, with a crisp, golden wonton shell hugging a luscious, creamy ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips. Perfect for parties, dessert tables, or just a sweet anytime snack, this recipe blends texture, flavor, and ease in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of crunchy shells and smooth filling. From the flaky wonton wrappers to the creamy ricotta and aromatic cinnamon, every ingredient enhances the overall experience.
- Wonton wrappers: These form the crisp, delicate cups that hold all the delicious filling.
- Melted butter: Brushing the wrappers with butter ensures a golden, flavorful shell.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for subtle sweetness and a slight crunch after baking.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and fragrance to both the shells and filling.
- Ricotta cheese: The star of the filling, providing a creamy, light texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta to heavenly perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a gentle, aromatic depth.
- Mini chocolate chips: These little bursts of chocolate make the filling extra festive and fun.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For a touch of color and crunchy contrast on top.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a mini muffin tin and brush each cavity with melted butter or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut your wonton wrappers into circles that will fit snugly into the muffin tin cups. Gently press the wrappers into the tins, shaping them into little cups that will hold the filling beautifully.
Step 2: Crisp the Shells
Lightly brush the tops of the wonton cups with more melted butter to encourage a golden finish. Then sprinkle the cups with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon – this adds a wonderful warmth and sparkle. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges lace a gorgeous golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. Once done, allow them to cool right in the tin to maintain their shape.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling
While your shells cool, combine the drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips to add excitement and texture inside each bite.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
Once the wonton cups are completely cooled, it’s time to fill! Use a spoon or a piping bag to generously fill each cup with the luscious ricotta mixture. Don’t hold back – you want every cup bursting with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish each mini cannoli cup with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and some chopped pistachios if you’re using them. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a pop of color to make them irresistibly photo-ready and inviting. Serve these delightful bites immediately or chill them briefly before serving for a cool, refreshing treat.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing aroma and vibrant color. Don’t underestimate how a little extra chocolate chips or crushed nuts elevate both the visual appeal and the texture.
Side Dishes
These mini cups are a versatile dessert that pairs well with fresh berries, a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce, or even alongside a scoop of gelato for a luxurious Italian dessert experience. They make an excellent complementary sweet ending to a rich dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special event, arrange your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe on a decorative platter lined with colorful doilies or fresh edible flowers. Consider serving them in individual mini cupcake liners to make grabbing them easy and mess-free. You can also create a DIY cannoli bar, letting guests add their own toppings like crushed nuts, fruit preserves, or even different flavored chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these are so addictive), store the filled cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should remain fresh for up to 2 days. The shells might soften slightly, so for best texture, fill them just before serving if possible.
Freezing
Wonton shells can be prepared ahead and frozen unfilled. Stack the baked shells between parchment paper in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw and fill with fresh ricotta mixture for a quick, delightful treat.
Reheating
Avoid reheating filled cannoli cups as it can ruin the creamy filling texture and soften the crispy shells. If you want warm shells, gently warm the unfilled cups for just a minute or two in the oven before filling.
FAQs
Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! Mascarpone will give you a richer, creamier filling. You can even mix it with ricotta to balance the lightness and decadence.
How do I drain ricotta properly?
Place the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and let it drain in the fridge for a few hours to remove excess moisture, which keeps the filling creamy but not watery.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or create your own gluten-free pastry. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to keep the shells crispy?
Fill the cups just before serving to prevent the shells from getting soggy. Also, store shells separately from the filling if making ahead.
Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips with something else?
Sure! Chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like finely chopped cherries can add unique flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way the crispy shells and creamy, sweet ricotta filling come together in this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe. Each bite is a perfect little celebration of texture and flavor that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual get-together or a fancy occasion, you’ll find this recipe easy, fun, and utterly delicious – so go ahead and give it a try, you won’t regret it!
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Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cannoli cups 1x
Description
These Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring crispy baked wonton wrappers filled with a creamy ricotta and chocolate chip mixture. Perfect as a bite-sized treat, they combine crunchy shells with sweet, rich filling and optional nutty garnish for an irresistible dessert that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Cups
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cannoli cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a mini muffin tin with melted butter or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut each wonton wrapper into a circle. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cups to form a small cup shape, shaping them carefully without tearing.
- Crisp the shells: Brush the tops of the wonton cups with additional melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and cinnamon to add flavor and sweetness. Bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the shells are crisp. Allow the cups to cool completely in the muffin tin to hold their shape.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly without breaking them.
- Fill the cups: Once the wonton cups have cooled, spoon or pipe the ricotta filling generously into each shell. Fill each cup well to ensure a creamy, indulgent bite every time.
- Garnish: Decorate each filled cannoli cup with extra mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios if desired. The pistachios add a lovely texture and a pop of color to the final presentation.
- Serve: Present these mini cannoli cups as a charming dessert perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat. Enjoy their crisp shells paired with sweet, creamy filling in every bite!
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid watery filling which can soften the wonton cups.
- For a nut-free option, omit the pistachios garnish.
- You can prepare the wonton cups in advance and store them in an airtight container; fill them just before serving to keep them crisp.
- If you prefer, substitute mini chocolate chips with finely chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
- Use a piping bag for neater filling application and a more professional look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
