Mini Cannoli Cups: Irresistible Italian Delights for Every Occasion

Meet Mini Cannoli Cups: Italian Delight

What are these delightful treats?

Mini Cannoli Cups are a charming, simplified take on the beloved Italian dessert, the cannoli. Traditionally, cannoli feature fried pastry dough shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling. Our version streamlines the process by utilizing pre-baked phyllo shells, transforming a complex preparation into an incredibly accessible and quick recipe. Imagine golden, crisp phyllo cups holding a luscious, smooth mixture of fresh ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and often, delightful mini chocolate chips. These individual servings make them an ideal choice for parties and gatherings, offering all the signature flavors of a classic cannoli in a convenient, bite-sized format. They truly are an Italian delight, capturing the essence of Sicily’s famous pastry in every delicious bite.

Quick and easy dessert idea

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a dessert that is both impressive and simple to prepare is a true win. Mini Cannoli Cups fit this bill perfectly, presenting themselves as an excellent easy dessert idea. Gone are the days of rolling and frying dough; instead, we leverage ready-made phyllo shells, significantly cutting down on prep time and effort. The filling comes together in minutes with minimal ingredients, requiring just a bowl and a whisk. This makes them a fantastic option for impromptu guests, last-minute party contributions, or simply when you’re craving a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. For anyone looking for a stress-free yet elegant dessert, these mini cannoli cups are the perfect solution. They embody convenience without compromising on the authentic, rich flavors that make Italian desserts so cherished globally. They are a delightful alternative to more involved baking projects, such as a traditional Quick Italian Cream Cake, offering a different but equally satisfying sweet experience.

Why Make These Irresistible Treats?

Perfect for any gathering

Mini Cannoli Cups shine as a versatile dessert, making them absolutely perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday parties. Their individual portion size eliminates the need for cutting and serving, allowing guests to easily pick up a treat without fuss or mess. This convenience is a major advantage when hosting, as it frees you up to enjoy your company rather than constantly tending to dessert. Imagine a tray of these golden, bite-sized beauties gracing your dessert table – they’re not just delicious, but also visually appealing, adding a touch of sophistication to your spread. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a baby shower, a graduation party, or just a friendly get-together, these sweet treats are universally loved. They provide a delightful alternative to heavier cakes or pies, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying, finish to any meal. Their portability also makes them an excellent choice for potlucks or when bringing a dish to a friend’s house. You can even prepare them ahead of time, chilling them until ready to serve.

Simple recipe, impressive results

One of the most compelling reasons to make Mini Cannoli Cups is the incredible ratio of effort to impact. This is truly a simple recipe that delivers consistently impressive results. The ingredients are straightforward and readily available, and the steps are intuitive, even for novice bakers. The use of store-bought phyllo shells is a game-changer, eliminating the most time-consuming part of traditional cannoli making. Despite their ease, these cups taste and look like they came from a high-end Italian bakery. The contrast between the crisp, flaky shell and the smooth, rich ricotta filling creates a textural sensation that is genuinely gourmet. Garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of pistachios further enhances their visual appeal, making them appear far more complex than they actually are to prepare. When you serve these mini cannoli cups, expect compliments and requests for the recipe; your guests will be amazed by your culinary prowess, unaware of just how straightforward the process was. This makes them a reliable choice for anyone wanting to create a memorable dessert without the stress.

Gather Ingredients for Cannoli Cups

Pantry staples you will need

Creating these delightful Mini Cannoli Cups requires a few basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. For the sweet ricotta filling, you’ll need confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar), which provides sweetness and a smooth texture. Pure vanilla extract is crucial for imparting a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. A pinch of ground cinnamon adds a subtle spice, enhancing the overall Italian profile of the dessert. If you plan to incorporate chocolate, mini chocolate chips are the traditional choice, offering little bursts of cocoa in every bite. Additionally, you might want a light dusting of powdered sugar for garnish, or perhaps some melted chocolate for drizzling. These pantry staples, when combined with the stars of the show, form the foundation for a truly irresistible sweet treat. Having these items ready ensures a seamless and enjoyable baking experience, allowing you to focus on the fun part: assembling and tasting your homemade Italian delight.

Fresh ricotta and phyllo shells

The two cornerstone ingredients that truly define Mini Cannoli Cups are fresh ricotta cheese and pre-made phyllo shells. When selecting ricotta, opt for whole milk ricotta if possible. It has a richer, creamier texture and a fuller flavor compared to part-skim varieties, which can sometimes be too watery. Draining the ricotta beforehand is a critical step to prevent the filling from becoming runny. Simply place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter set over a bowl for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures your ricotta filling is thick, luscious, and holds its shape perfectly within the phyllo cups. For the shells, look for pre-baked mini phyllo shells (often found in the frozen dessert or appetizer section of your grocery store). These crispy, flaky cups are the genius shortcut that makes this recipe an easy dessert. While traditional cannoli shells are deep-fried, these ready-to-use phyllo shells offer a light, crisp texture without any of the frying hassle. Their delicate crunch perfectly contrasts with the smooth, creamy filling, making every bite a textural pleasure. Always check the package instructions for any specific thawing or pre-baking recommendations for your particular brand of phyllo shells.

Prepare Phyllo Cups for Filling

Preheat oven to 350°F

The journey to creating perfect Mini Cannoli Cups begins with preparing the phyllo shells. The first crucial step is to preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your delicate phyllo cups enter the oven, they are met with consistent, even heat, allowing them to crisp up beautifully. While the oven is preheating, take your frozen phyllo shells out of the freezer. Most brands come in small, pre-formed cups, usually nestled in a plastic tray. You’ll want to carefully separate them if they are stuck together, though they often come individually separated. There’s no need to grease a baking sheet, as phyllo shells typically contain enough butter or oil to prevent sticking. Simply arrange the individual phyllo cups on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even airflow and browning. Getting the oven to the correct temperature beforehand is key to achieving that desirable golden-brown color and crisp texture that makes these mini cannoli cups so appealing. This foundational step is simple yet vital for the overall success of your Italian delight.

Bake cups until golden

Once your oven has reached the target temperature and your phyllo shells are arranged, it’s time to bake cups until golden and delightfully crisp. Place the baking sheet with the phyllo shells into the preheated oven. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the brand of phyllo shells, but generally, they will need to bake for about 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as phyllo is very thin and can go from perfectly golden to overly browned quite quickly. You’re looking for a light golden hue across the entire cup, indicating a perfectly toasted and crisp texture. Once they reach this ideal color, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the baked phyllo cups to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to fill them. Cooling is essential because residual heat can make the shells soft, and filling warm cups with cold ricotta mixture could lead to a less desirable soggy texture. A completely cooled, crisp shell is the ideal vessel for your creamy ricotta filling, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite of these easy dessert treats.

Crafting the Sweet Ricotta Filling

Mix ricotta and sugar

The heart of our Mini Cannoli Cups lies in the exquisite sweet ricotta filling. To begin, ensure your fresh ricotta cheese is well-drained. Place the drained ricotta in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Next, add the confectioners’ sugar. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference, allowing the creamy ricotta flavor to shine. Using a spatula or a whisk, gently mix ricotta and sugar together until thoroughly combined and smooth. It’s important not to overmix. The goal is a creamy, luxurious consistency that will hold its shape beautifully within the phyllo cups. This foundational step is quick and simple, setting the stage for the additional flavors that will make this an unforgettable Italian delight. The texture should be free of lumps, indicating a perfectly blended base for your delightful sweet treat.

Add vanilla and cinnamon

Once your ricotta and sugar are perfectly blended, it’s time to infuse the filling with classic Italian flavors. Add vanilla and cinnamon to the mixture. A good quality pure vanilla extract is indispensable here, providing a warm, aromatic depth. Start with the suggested amount, usually a teaspoon, and adjust if you prefer a stronger vanilla presence. Ground cinnamon, even a small dash, contributes a subtle warmth and a traditional cannoli spice note that truly enhances the richness of the ricotta. These spices are carefully chosen to complement the natural sweetness and creaminess of the cheese. Stir them in until just combined, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling. This step transforms the filling into the familiar, comforting taste of an authentic cannoli. For an alternative, consider a hint of orange zest, offering a bright, citrusy counterpoint. This aromatic combination ensures your easy dessert has a complex, inviting flavor profile.

Fold in chocolate chips

The final touch for many Mini Cannoli Cups is the inclusion of chocolate. Carefully fold in chocolate chips, typically mini chocolate chips, into the sweet ricotta filling. Mini chips are preferred because they distribute more evenly and don’t overwhelm the delicate structure of the filling or the small size of the phyllo cups. The chocolate adds a delightful textural contrast and a burst of cocoa flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy ricotta. Use a spatula to gently fold them in, ensuring they are well dispersed. If you prefer, you can also use finely chopped dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different twist. Some traditionalists might opt for candied orange peel or pistachios at this stage. The beauty of this easy dessert is its adaptability. Once the chocolate chips are folded in, your exquisite sweet ricotta filling is complete and ready to be piped or spooned into your crisp, baked phyllo shells. This final component ensures every bite is rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying, making your homemade cannoli cups a truly special Italian delight.

Assembling Your Mini Cannoli Cups

Fill each baked phyllo cup

With your crisp phyllo cups cooled and your luxurious sweet ricotta filling prepared, it’s time for the most satisfying part: assembly. This step is incredibly straightforward, transforming your individual components into a cohesive, delicious Italian delight. You have a couple of options for filling the cups. For a neat and professional appearance, you can transfer the ricotta filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a round tip. This allows for precise control and creates a beautiful swirl or dome of filling in each cup. If you don’t have a piping bag, a simple zip-top bag with one corner snipped off will work just as well, or you can use a small spoon for a more rustic, equally charming presentation. Carefully spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into each baked phyllo cup, filling them generously but not overfilling to the point of spilling. Aim for a nice, rounded top that showcases the creamy filling. The contrast between the crunchy shell and the smooth interior is what makes these an irresistible sweet treat. Work efficiently but gently to avoid breaking the delicate shells. Once filled, your Mini Cannoli Cups are almost ready for their grand debut, needing only a few final touches before they become the star of your dessert table.

Final Touches: Drizzle and Chill

Top with chocolate sauce

Once your Mini Cannoli Cups are filled with the creamy ricotta, the final decorative touches can truly make them shine. While a simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar is classic and elegant, a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal. You can use a store-bought chocolate syrup or, for a more gourmet touch, melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate with a tiny bit of coconut oil or butter for a glossy, decadent finish. Use a spoon to artfully top with chocolate sauce over each filled cup, creating beautiful patterns. Alternatively, sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and nutty crunch, or even candied orange peel for a traditional Sicilian flair. These small additions elevate the dessert from delicious to truly extraordinary, making them even more enticing as a sweet treat. Remember, presentation is key, especially when offering such an elegant Italian delight as an easy dessert. Don’t forget to check out our desserts category for more fantastic sweet ideas.

Chill for best taste

After all the effort of preparing and assembling your Mini Cannoli Cups, patience is a virtue for this final, crucial step: chilling. To achieve the best taste and texture, it is highly recommended to chill for best taste them for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or even longer, up to a few hours. Chilling allows the ricotta filling to firm up slightly, ensuring it’s perfectly set and creamy when served. More importantly, it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall profile of your Italian delight. While the phyllo cups will remain crisp for a short period after filling, prolonged chilling (more than a few hours) can sometimes cause them to soften. For optimal crispness, it’s best to fill the cups closer to serving time if possible, or assemble them just an hour or two before your event. However, for a quick dessert craving, a short chill is perfectly fine. Serving them cold provides a refreshing contrast to the rich filling, making each bite an absolute pleasure. This simple step ensures your easy dessert offers a truly delightful experience for everyone.

Serving Your Italian Dessert Delights

How many does this recipe make?

When planning for a gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, knowing the yield of a recipe is always helpful. This particular recipe for Mini Cannoli Cups typically makes anywhere from 24 to 30 individual treats, depending on the brand and size of the phyllo cups you purchase. Most standard packages of mini phyllo shells contain 15 shells per tray, and often come in packs of two, totaling 30 shells. The amount of filling created from the specified ingredients is usually perfect for this quantity. This makes them an ideal choice for larger parties, allowing everyone to enjoy a couple of these delightful Italian dessert delights without the need for additional baking. If you’re hosting a smaller group or just making them for personal indulgence, you can easily halve the recipe for the ricotta filling to match a single tray of phyllo cups. This flexibility ensures that you can always have the perfect amount of these easy dessert wonders on hand, whether for a big celebration or a quiet evening treat. Understanding how many does this recipe make helps in managing your ingredient quantities and expectations for your culinary endeavors.

Best served cold

While the aroma of freshly made cannoli cups is tempting, patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to enjoying them at their peak. These Mini Cannoli Cups are absolutely best served cold. Chilling them not only allows the creamy ricotta filling to set beautifully, but it also helps the flavors to fully develop and meld together, creating a harmonious and refreshing taste. A cold dessert, especially one with a rich dairy filling, is particularly pleasant and satisfying, offering a wonderful contrast to the crisp phyllo shell. Serving them straight from the refrigerator enhances their texture, providing a delightful coolness that makes each bite even more enjoyable. If you plan to make them for an event, simply keep them refrigerated until just before serving. This ensures that every guest experiences the ideal combination of a cool, sweet, and spiced filling encased in a delicate, crispy shell. For optimal enjoyment, avoid leaving them out at room temperature for extended periods, as this can soften the phyllo and alter the texture of the ricotta. Ensuring they are served cold guarantees that these sweet treats deliver their full promise as an irresistible, easy dessert.

Variations for Your Cannoli Cups

Try mascarpone for richness

While traditional cannoli filling relies on ricotta cheese, these Mini Cannoli Cups are wonderfully adaptable, allowing for creative variations to suit different tastes or preferences. For an incredibly luxurious and extra-rich filling, you can try mascarpone for richness. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese, known for its velvety smooth texture and mild, sweet flavor. Substituting all or a portion of the ricotta with mascarpone will result in a denser, even creamier filling that is truly decadent. If using mascarpone, you might find you need slightly less sugar, as mascarpone itself has a subtle sweetness. You can also create a delicious blend by using half ricotta and half mascarpone for a balance of traditional flavor and added richness. This variation elevates the sweet ricotta filling, making your easy dessert feel even more gourmet. The slightly tangy notes of ricotta combined with the buttery richness of mascarpone create a truly unforgettable flavor profile, perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in an even more opulent Italian delight. This versatility is one of the many reasons these phyllo cups are such a beloved recipe.

Add nuts for extra crunch

Beyond the creamy filling, textural contrasts are key to a truly satisfying dessert experience. To add nuts for extra crunch, consider incorporating finely chopped pistachios or toasted almonds into your Mini Cannoli Cups. Pistachios are a classic accompaniment to Italian cannoli, offering a vibrant green color and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the ricotta. You can either fold them into the filling along with the chocolate chips, or sprinkle them generously over the top of the filled cups as a garnish. Toasted almonds provide a warm, nutty aroma and a different kind of crunch. Hazelnut or walnuts could also be interesting additions. For best results, lightly toast the nuts before chopping to enhance their flavor and crispness. Beyond nuts, other crunchy elements like crushed biscotti, crumbled amaretti cookies, or even a sprinkle of granola can provide a delightful surprise. These additions not only enhance the texture but also add depth of flavor, making each bite of your sweet treats more complex and exciting. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite twist on this beloved easy dessert, creating a unique and personalized Italian delight. For another delightful sweet project, you might also enjoy making Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes.

Tips for Storing Cannoli Cups

Keep fresh in the fridge

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and deliciousness of your Mini Cannoli Cups, particularly the delicate balance between the crisp phyllo shell and the creamy filling. To ensure they remain at their best, you must keep fresh in the fridge. Once assembled, transfer the cannoli cups to an airtight container. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or use parchment paper to create layers if stacking is necessary, being careful not to press down on the delicate tops. Storing them in the refrigerator helps the sweet ricotta filling to stay firm and fresh, preventing it from spoiling. However, it’s important to note that while the filling remains excellent for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, the phyllo shells, being very thin and delicate, will inevitably start to soften after a few hours due to moisture from the filling. For optimal crispness, it is always recommended to fill the phyllo cups as close to serving time as possible, ideally within 1-2 hours. If you want to prepare components ahead of time, make the ricotta filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and bake the phyllo shells, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container until ready to fill. This approach allows you to quickly assemble a fresh batch of these easy dessert delights whenever a craving strikes, ensuring every bite is as perfect as the first.

Nutrition Facts: Know Your Treat

Quick look at calories

When indulging in any delicious sweet treat, it’s often helpful to have a general idea of its nutritional content. For Mini Cannoli Cups, the quick look at calories will depend significantly on the ingredients used and the portion size. A typical Mini Cannoli Cup, made with whole milk ricotta, sugar, and mini chocolate chips, will likely range from 80 to 120 calories per serving. This is a relatively modest calorie count for a dessert, especially considering the satisfying flavor it delivers. Factors influencing the calorie count include the specific brand of phyllo shells (some might have more butter), the amount of sugar added to the ricotta filling, and whether chocolate chips or other high-calorie additions are used. Using part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk ricotta can slightly reduce the fat and calorie content, though it may alter the creaminess. This makes them a more manageable dessert option compared to a full-sized slice of cake or pie, allowing you to enjoy an Italian delight without excessive guilt. Remember, these figures are estimates, and precise nutrition depends on your exact recipe and ingredient choices.

Sugar and fat content

Understanding the sugar and fat content of your Mini Cannoli Cups can help in making informed dietary choices. Each cup will contain a certain amount of sugar, primarily from the confectioners’ sugar in the ricotta filling and any added chocolate chips or drizzles. On average, you might expect around 8-15 grams of sugar per mini cup. This can be adjusted; for example, reducing the sugar slightly in the filling or using dark chocolate with a lower sugar content can impact the overall sugar load. As for fat, the whole milk ricotta contributes saturated fat, and the phyllo shells, often made with butter or oil, also add to the fat content. Mini chocolate chips are another source of fat. A single cup could contain approximately 4-8 grams of fat. To lower the fat content, consider using part-skim ricotta (though, as mentioned, this affects texture) or reducing the quantity of chocolate chips. While these are delightful treats, enjoying them in moderation is always a good approach for a balanced diet. Despite these considerations, these easy dessert cannoli cups remain a fantastic option for a controlled portion of Italian-inspired indulgence, fitting well into various eating plans when consumed thoughtfully. For more healthy and delicious options, check out our other main course recipes.

Enjoy Every Bite of These Delights

A sweet moment to savor

As you gather your loved ones or simply settle down for a quiet indulgence, remember that these Mini Cannoli Cups are more than just an easy dessert; they are an invitation to experience a sweet moment to savor. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the delicate crunch of the phyllo cup, the smooth and creamy ricotta filling, the subtle warmth of vanilla and cinnamon, and the delightful surprise of mini chocolate chips. It’s a taste of Italy, simplified for your convenience, yet retaining all the charm and deliciousness of its traditional counterpart. These sweet treats are a testament to the fact that you don’t need complex recipes or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special and memorable. Whether served at a bustling party, a serene family dinner, or enjoyed as a personal pick-me-up, they promise pure, unadulterated pleasure. So, take a moment, close your eyes, and truly enjoy every bite of these homemade Italian delight. They are a small celebration in themselves, a perfect end to any meal or a delightful companion to a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more inspiring recipes and culinary ideas!