These Mini Cannoli Cups are a fun twist on the traditional Italian dessert, combining the creamy, citrus-kissed ricotta filling of a classic cannoli with an easy-to-make crisp pastry shell. Perfect for parties, holiday tables, or just when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, these bite-sized treats deliver all the flavor of cannoli—without the hassle of frying.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

Filling:

• 1 container (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional)

Shell Cups:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), softened

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll pie crusts and cut into 2.5-inch circles using a cookie cutter.

2. Press each circle into the cavity of a mini muffin tin to form a cup shape. Brush with egg wash.

3. Bake 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, zest, and vanilla until smooth.

5. Transfer filling into a piping bag. Pipe into cooled pie crust cups.

6. Garnish with chocolate chips or pistachios. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Mini Cup)

• Calories: 120

• Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 60mg

Introduction

Mini Cannoli Cups are a bite-sized dessert that transforms the essence of a traditional Sicilian pastry into a modern treat that’s perfect for every occasion. Instead of fussing with making and frying cannoli shells, this recipe uses baked pie crust to create crisp, flaky cups filled with luscious sweetened ricotta cheese. These mini cups are customizable, portable, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need something simple and elegant to bring to a gathering, these cannoli cups offer just the right blend of crunch and cream.

The Origins and Popularity of Cannoli

Cannoli originated in Sicily, Italy, and were traditionally made during Carnevale as a symbol of indulgence. Over time, the crispy pastry tubes filled with a sweetened ricotta mixture gained global popularity and became a staple in Italian bakeries. Their iconic status is thanks to their unique texture and flavor—a crispy, fried shell filled with creamy, lightly sweet cheese infused with citrus zest, vanilla, and often adorned with chocolate chips or candied fruit. Today, cannoli are enjoyed year-round and have inspired numerous variations, including these easier-to-make Mini Cannoli Cups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Cannoli Cups are a smart, no-fry solution for enjoying the essence of traditional cannoli with less effort and mess. Here’s why this version is a must-try:

• No deep frying involved, making them healthier and quicker to prepare.

• Perfect for portion control and serving a crowd.

• Easily customizable with toppings like chocolate chips, pistachios, or even fresh fruit.

• Balanced sweetness with a light, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Elegant appearance that looks professionally made.

They’re just as charming as they are delicious, and once you make them, they’ll likely become a regular on your dessert rotation.

Health Benefits

Though indulgent, Mini Cannoli Cups offer a few redeeming health benefits, especially if you tweak the ingredients slightly:

• Ricotta cheese provides protein and calcium.

• Using whole-milk ricotta instead of cream cheese keeps the texture lighter and less fatty.

• Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the overall fat content.

• You can reduce the sugar slightly or use alternatives like stevia or monk fruit to suit dietary needs.

• Optional toppings like pistachios add healthy fats and antioxidants.

When consumed in moderation, these treats can be part of a balanced diet—especially when shared with friends or enjoyed on special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Mini Cannoli Cups shine on dessert tables, but they’re versatile enough for any occasion:

• Serve them on a cake stand at brunch or tea time.

• Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flair.

• Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder for added warmth.

• Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian dessert experience.

• Offer as part of a mini-dessert platter with tiramisu bites, panna cotta, or biscotti.

They’re also great for potlucks, picnics, weddings, and birthdays because they travel well and don’t require utensils.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of when making Mini Cannoli Cups:

• Not draining ricotta: Excess moisture will make the filling runny. Drain ricotta overnight if necessary.

• Overfilling the cups: A little goes a long way—too much filling can make them messy to eat.

• Baking shells unevenly: Watch the pie crust cups closely while baking to avoid under- or over-baking.

• Adding toppings too early: Chocolate chips or nuts can lose texture if added too far in advance.

• Filling while warm: Always let the cups cool completely to prevent melting or sogginess.

Getting these small details right will ensure your cannoli cups are picture-perfect and delicious.

Pairing Recommendations

Pairing the right drink or treat can enhance your cannoli experience:

• Drinks: Try with Italian coffee, dessert wine like Moscato, or a cold glass of milk.

• Other desserts: Serve with fresh fruit, lemon bars, or chocolate mousse.

• Savory counterpart: Balance with something salty like a charcuterie board or herbed crostini.

• Ice cream: A mini scoop of vanilla bean or pistachio ice cream goes beautifully with cannoli.

Pairing the rich filling with something fresh, tangy, or crunchy creates a balanced tasting experience.

Cooking Tips

Master these cooking tips to ensure cannoli cup success:

• Chill your ricotta filling before piping for clean, defined shapes.

• Use a piping bag for more elegant presentation.

• Let the pie crust come to room temperature before cutting to avoid cracking.

• Avoid overworking the crust; press gently into tins to avoid tough shells.

• Use microplane zest for the finest citrus flavor.

A little finesse goes a long way toward turning this into a show-stopping dessert.

Similar Recipes to Try

Love these? Try these next:

• Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Chips

• Mini Cheesecake Cups with Ricotta

• Tiramisu Dessert Cups

• Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Cones

• Cream Horns with Mascarpone Filling

Each recipe carries forward the idea of easy, elegant, single-serve desserts inspired by Italian classics.

Variations to Try

Mix it up with these tasty twists:

• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios inside the filling.

• Fold in a tablespoon of Nutella for chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

• Use phyllo dough shells instead of pie crust for a flakier bite.

• Swap vanilla extract for almond or orange extract for deeper flavor.

• For holiday flair, mix in a few candied cherries or use festive sprinkles on top.

Cannoli are incredibly versatile—make the recipe your own and match it to your celebration theme.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is the heart of any cannoli recipe. Made from whey, ricotta is naturally lower in fat than cream cheese and has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with citrus zest and sugar. For best results, use whole-milk ricotta and drain it well before mixing. Some bakers even whip the cheese to make it ultra-light. Its protein content also makes it a more nutritious base compared to other creamy fillings.

It’s a classic ingredient in both savory and sweet Italian dishes, and in this recipe, it’s truly the star.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cups and store them in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Pipe the filling just before serving.

2. How do I keep the filling from being watery?
Drain your ricotta cheese in cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer overnight to remove excess moisture.

3. Can I use mascarpone cheese instead?
Yes, for a richer, more indulgent filling, you can mix mascarpone with ricotta or use it on its own.

4. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate filled cups in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly.

5. Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Cups?
You can freeze the unfilled shells. Fill them after thawing for best texture.

6. Can I use store-bought cannoli cream?
Yes, but homemade filling is usually fresher and more flavorful.

7. Are these gluten-free?
Not with regular pie crust, but you can use gluten-free crust or phyllo dough as a substitute.

8. Can I make a sugar-free version?
Yes, substitute powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for the sugars.

9. What tools do I need?
A mini muffin tin, cookie cutter, and piping bag make preparation easier and neater.

10. Can I add liqueur to the filling?
A splash of Amaretto, Marsala, or Grand Marnier adds a luxurious flavor twist—but use sparingly.

Conclusion

Mini Cannoli Cups are the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. They capture the rich, sweet, creamy flavors of classic cannoli in a compact, crispy cup that’s easy to serve, transport, and customize. Whether you’re entertaining guests, baking for a holiday, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without too much fuss, this recipe offers elegance and indulgence in every bite. With simple ingredients and a stunning result, Mini Cannoli Cups are bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.