Creamy Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

If you’re craving an easy mini cannoli that brings the authentic flavors of an Italian cannoli dessert to your table without the fuss, you’re in the right place. Picture this: a bustling party where guests rave about bite-sized treats that are effortlessly crispy and creamy, making mini cannoli cups the star of the show. From Chef Lalybeth’s kitchen, this recipe simplifies traditional cannoli into a quick, foolproof dessert that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. In just 20 minutes, you’ll whip up 15 delightful pieces that combine the classic ricotta filling with a satisfying crunch, proving that indulgence doesn’t have to be complicated.

Imagine the first bite of these mini cannoli cups: the phyllo shells offer a golden, shatteringly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the velvety smooth ricotta filling. Each cup bursts with the sweet tang of powdered sugar and vanilla, dotted with pockets of melty mini chocolate chips that add a decadent chocolatey surprise. The optional orange zest introduces a subtle citrus aroma, elevating the overall experience to something truly aromatic and irresistible. This Italian-American delight isn’t just a dessert; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your senses dancing with every mouthful.

What sets this mini cannoli cups recipe from Delicetreats.com apart is the expert touch from Chef Lalybeth, whose years of culinary experience ensure every detail is perfected for home cooks. You’ll discover the “Chef’s Secret” that makes these cups extra special, along with step-by-step guidance that guarantees success on your first try. From ingredient spotlights to pro tips, this post is your comprehensive guide to mastering easy mini cannoli, including how to avoid common pitfalls and customize for your needs. Stick around for FAQs that answer everything from chilling times to substitutions.

Why This Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: What truly elevates this mini cannoli cups recipe is the use of pre-made phyllo dough cups, which deliver an effortlessly crispy and creamy texture without the hassle of frying or shaping traditional cannoli shells. By baking these cups briefly, we lock in a light, airy crunch that perfectly cradles the rich ricotta mixture, making it a go-to for busy hosts. This technique not only cuts down on prep time but also ensures consistent results, turning a classic Italian cannoli dessert into an accessible treat for everyone.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture lies in the phyllo’s thin layers, which crisp up beautifully in the oven due to their low moisture content. When baked at 350°F, the heat causes the layers to separate and firm up, creating a flaky shell that contrasts with the creamy filling. This ensures your mini cannoli cups maintain that ideal balance—crisp on the outside, smooth within—without becoming soggy, which is a common issue in lesser recipes.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real kitchens to guarantee reliability, with clear instructions that account for common variables like ricotta consistency. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned cook, the straightforward steps minimize errors, making it the most trustworthy resource for easy mini cannoli cups on the web.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Phyllo dough cups: These ready-to-use shells form the foundation of your mini cannoli cups, providing that signature crispy exterior that mimics traditional cannoli without the effort. Opt for high-quality brands like Athens for their even baking and durability, as inferior ones can become brittle or greasy. If phyllo isn’t available, try using wonton wrappers as a substitution—just brush them with a light egg wash before baking to achieve a similar crispiness.

Ricotta cheese: As the heart of the creamy filling in this cannoli cups recipe, full-fat ricotta ensures a luxuriously smooth texture and authentic Italian flavor. Always drain it well to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery filling that could soften the shells. For a lighter alternative, substitute with mascarpone cheese, which offers a similar creaminess but with a milder taste, ideal if you’re aiming for a less tangy profile.

Powdered sugar: This ingredient sweetens the filling while helping to achieve a silky consistency in your mini cannoli cups. Using finely sifted powdered sugar prevents grittiness, so choose a pure variety without additives for the best results. If you’re watching sugar intake, swap it with a powdered erythritol for a low-carb option, ensuring you adjust quantities to maintain the desired sweetness level.

Mini chocolate chips: Adding bursts of chocolatey goodness, these chips enhance the flavor of easy mini cannoli with their melt-in-your-mouth appeal. High-quality, real chocolate chips melt better and provide a richer taste, so avoid generic brands. For a nut-free variation, substitute with finely chopped dark chocolate or even dried cranberries for a fruity twist that complements the ricotta base.

Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic depth to the filling of your mini cannoli cups, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall Italian cannoli dessert experience. Always use pure vanilla extract for its authentic flavor profile, as imitation versions can taste artificial. If you’re out, almond extract works as a substitute, but use half the amount to avoid overpowering the delicate ricotta mixture.

Orange zest: While optional, this ingredient introduces a fresh, citrusy brightness to mini cannoli cups that cuts through the richness. Freshly grated zest from organic oranges ensures the best flavor without any bitterness, so zest just the outer peel. Lemon zest can be substituted for a tangier note, adding a zesty variation that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking for your mini cannoli cups. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture without overcooking the phyllo.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature, as inaccurate heat can lead to uneven crisping and affect the overall quality of your easy mini cannoli.

Step 2: Bake the Phyllo Cups

Place the 15 phyllo dough cups on a baking sheet and bake them for 5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Allow them to cool completely on the sheet before handling to prevent breakage.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can trap steam and make the cups soggy—space them out for optimal air circulation and a truly crispy result in your mini cannoli cups recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of drained ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp orange zest if using. Mix until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, using a whisk or hand mixer for the best consistency.

Pro Tip: Let the ricotta sit in a fine-mesh strainer for 10 minutes before mixing to remove any excess liquid, ensuring your filling stays creamy and doesn’t dilute the flavors in these Italian cannoli dessert cups.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture, stirring just until evenly distributed to maintain the chips’ texture and avoid overmixing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-stirring can melt the chocolate chips prematurely, so fold lightly to keep them intact for that delightful surprise in every bite of your easy mini cannoli.

Step 5: Fill and Serve the Cups

Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooled phyllo cups, filling each one generously. Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.

Pro Tip: Use a piping bag for precise filling to make your mini cannoli cups look professionally made, enhancing their appeal as a top Italian cannoli dessert option.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your mini cannoli cups by arranging them on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color, making them the centerpiece of any gathering. For an impressive garnish, add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a scattering of crushed pistachios to complement the creamy filling and enhance the Italian cannoli dessert vibe. These bite-sized treats pair wonderfully with a bold espresso or a light prosecco, balancing their sweetness, and they make an excellent ending to a hearty Italian-American meal like lasagna or pasta primavera.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the ricotta filling up to 3 days in advance by mixing the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bake the phyllo cups fresh on the day of serving to maintain their crispiness, assembling everything just before guests arrive for the best mini cannoli cups experience.

Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the unfilled phyllo cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, and keep the filling refrigerated separately to preserve freshness—refrigerate filled cups for no more than 4 hours to prevent sogginess.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original texture, reheat the phyllo cups in a 350°F oven for 1-2 minutes before refilling; avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy instead of crispy, ensuring your easy mini cannoli taste as fresh as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Mini Cannoli Cups

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 15 pieces 1x

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Description

These bite-sized cannoli cups are perfect for parties, filled with a creamy ricotta and chocolate chip mixture in crispy phyllo shells.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 phyllo dough cups (such as Athens brand)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional)
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake phyllo cups on a baking sheet for 5 minutes until crispy. Cool completely.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Spoon mixture into cups. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture. Can be prepared ahead and filled just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 3g