Name: EASY Mini Cannoli Cups: A Delectable Italian Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-30 wrappers); 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if wet); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest); ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional); ¼ cup chopped pistachios or candied fruit (optional); Powdered sugar (for dusting); Mini chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit (optional)

EASY Mini Cannoli Cups: A Delectable Italian Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of the classic cannoli in a fun and portable form. The crisp, flaky pastry shell gives way to a rich, sweet ricotta filling that’s lightly flavored with vanilla and citrus. These mini treats are quick and easy to make, and you can customize the filling with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or pistachios for added texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert at a dinner party or as a sweet snack, Mini Cannoli Cups will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the pastry cups:

1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-30 wrappers)
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if wet)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped pistachios or candied fruit (optional)

For garnish:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Mini chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the pastry cups: Brush each wonton wrapper with melted butter and sprinkle with a small amount of sugar and cinnamon. Gently press the wrappers into the cups of a mini muffin tin, forming small cups. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Allow the cups to cool completely in the muffin tin.
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and well-combined. If you’d like, fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or candied fruit for added flavor and texture.
Assemble the mini cannoli cups: Once the pastry cups are completely cool, fill each cup with the ricotta mixture. You can use a spoon or piping bag for a neater presentation.
Garnish: Dust the top of the filled cannoli cups with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with extra chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or candied fruit for added color and texture.
Serve: Enjoy the mini cannoli cups immediately, or store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 (depending on the number of wonton wrappers and the filling amount)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Chocolate-filled cannoli cups: For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the ricotta filling or dip the top of the filled cups in melted chocolate before garnishing.
Fruit-filled cannoli cups: Incorporate finely chopped fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, into the filling for a fresh touch.
Alcoholic flavor: Add a splash of sweet liqueur, such as Marsala wine or amaretto, to the ricotta filling for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or make your own pastry cups from gluten-free dough.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pastry cups separate from the ricotta filling to avoid sogginess.
Reheating: If you need to reheat the pastry cups, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Fill the cups with fresh ricotta filling just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use phyllo dough instead of wonton wrappers?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough for the cups. Brush the layers with butter, cut into small squares, and bake them in a mini muffin tin. However, the texture will be different from the wonton wrappers.

Can I make these cannoli cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the filling and fill the cups just before serving to maintain the crispness of the pastry.

How do I prevent the ricotta filling from being too runny?

Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well before using it in the filling. You can also use a cheesecloth to help remove any excess moisture.

Can I make the filling with something other than ricotta?

While ricotta is traditional for cannoli filling, you can use mascarpone or cream cheese as a substitute for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to taste.

Can I freeze mini cannoli cups?

It’s best to freeze the empty pastry cups rather than the filled ones, as the ricotta filling may not hold up well to freezing. To freeze, bake and cool the pastry cups, then store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, fill them with fresh ricotta filling.

Can I add chocolate to the filling?

Yes! Adding mini chocolate chips to the ricotta filling is a popular option. You can also melt chocolate and swirl it into the filling for a richer flavor.

What can I garnish mini cannoli cups with?

You can garnish the mini cannoli cups with powdered sugar, extra chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, candied fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Can I use larger pastry cups?

Yes, you can make larger cannoli cups using regular-sized muffin tins or tart shells. Just adjust the filling accordingly and increase the baking time for the pastry.

How long will these mini cannoli cups stay fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. However, they’re best enjoyed on the same day they’re assembled to maintain the crisp texture of the pastry.

How do I make the filling smoother?

To achieve a smoother filling, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to blend the ricotta mixture until it’s silky and creamy.

Conclusion

Mini Cannoli Cups are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional Italian dessert. With their crunchy pastry shells and creamy ricotta filling, they make the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, these mini cannoli cups are sure to be a hit. Quick to make and highly customizable, they are an easy way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table in a modern, delightful form.