Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe

If you adore the rich, creamy sweetness of traditional Italian cannoli but want a fun, bite-sized twist, these Mini Cannoli Cups are your new best friend. Using crispy mini phyllo cups as a delicate shell, each one gets filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, mascarpone, and a hint of cinnamon dotted with mini chocolate chips. These charming little cups deliver all the beloved flavors of cannoli with a delightful crunch and a perfect portion size that’s ideal for parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself. Once you try these Mini Cannoli Cups, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe that never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the few but carefully chosen ingredients that elevate each bite. Every component brings something special—whether it’s the crispness of the phyllo cups, the creamy, rich filling, or the subtle sweetness that ties everything together.

• Mini phyllo cups: These act as the crisp, delicate containers, providing the perfect crunch and a beautiful presentation.
• Ricotta cheese: Drained well overnight, it creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling without excess moisture.
• Mascarpone cheese: Adds extra richness and a silky texture that complements the ricotta perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently and offers an elegant finishing dust.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: A subtle spice that gives the filling a lovely aromatic note.
• Mini chocolate chips: Add delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness and a little crunch.
• Chopped pistachios (optional): For a pop of color, texture, and nutty flavor as a garnish.

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by draining the ricotta cheese overnight to remove excess moisture, which makes for a smoother, richer filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is silky and well combined. Then, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for those lovely pockets of chocolate flavor throughout each bite.

Step 2: Fill the Cups

Grab your mini phyllo cups from the freezer and have them at room temperature or lightly thawed. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each cup just to the brim with the luscious cannoli filling. Piping helps keep things neat, but a spoon works just as well if you don’t have one handy. The goal is to get a generous scoop without overfilling or spilling over the edges.

Step 3: Add Garnishes

Now for the fun part—sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for a beautiful contrast in both color and crunch, or scatter extra mini chocolate chips if you want to amplify the chocolatey goodness. These little touches really make the Mini Cannoli Cups pop visually and add subtle layers of flavor pairing perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Right before serving, give each Mini Cannoli Cup a light dusting of powdered sugar to create that classic cannoli look. This simple step adds a festive and inviting finish that makes these treats not only taste incredible but look picture-perfect.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Mini Cannoli Cups are at their best when served fresh to keep the phyllo cups delightfully crisp. If you need to make them ahead, store the filling separately in the fridge and assemble just before your guests arrive so the cups stay crunchy and the filling stays creamy and fresh.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Garnishes

Beyond the classic chopped pistachios and extra mini chocolate chips, you can experiment with crushed toasted almonds or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest can also brighten the flavors and make your Mini Cannoli Cups stand out on any dessert tray.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups with a cup of rich espresso or sweet dessert wine for an authentic Italian-inspired finish. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh berries or a light citrus salad to balance the sweetness and add refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Mini Cannoli Cups on a beautiful platter with delicate doilies or arrange them on tiered dessert stands to create visual appeal. You can also place each cup in colorful mini cupcake liners or small decorative paper cases to make individual portions even more festive and easy to grab at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Mini Cannoli Cups, store the filling separately from the phyllo cups in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the cups from becoming soggy and keeps everything fresh. Assemble just before serving to maintain that perfect crunchy and creamy combination.

Freezing

The phyllo cups themselves freeze well, so keep extras stored in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. However, the filled Mini Cannoli Cups do not freeze well because the filling and the crispy shells will lose their ideal textures upon thawing. It’s best to prepare and assemble fresh.

Reheating

Since these treats are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Instead, if your phyllo cups lose some crispness, you can briefly warm them in the oven before filling to restore crunch without affecting flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular cannoli shells instead of mini phyllo cups?

Absolutely! Regular cannoli shells work great if you prefer a more traditional presentation. Just fill them with the same delicious mixture and garnish as you like.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone isn’t available, you can use cream cheese blended with a little heavy cream or sour cream to mimic the creamy texture and mild sweetness mascarpone provides.

How long do Mini Cannoli Cups stay fresh?

Once assembled, they are best enjoyed within a few hours to preserve the crispness of the phyllo cups. If stored properly (filling and cups separate), the filling can last in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Can I make the filling vegan or dairy-free?

While traditional Mini Cannoli Cups rely on dairy cheeses, you can experiment with plant-based ricotta and mascarpone alternatives, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the classic.

Is it necessary to drain the ricotta overnight?

Draining the ricotta overnight removes excess moisture, creating a thicker, creamier filling that holds up better in the cups and prevents sogginess, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Mini Cannoli Cups are a charming and delightful dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Their perfect balance of crispiness and creamy sweetness makes them an instant crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a special treat. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll find these little wonders popping up on your dessert table time and again!

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