If you have a soft spot for Italian desserts but want something quick, charming, and utterly delightful, this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is exactly the treat you need. These little cups bring all the classic cannoli flavors without the fuss of traditional frying and rolling. Crispy wonton wrappers perfectly cradle a sweet, creamy ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips, creating a heavenly mini dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to devour. You’re about to step into the world of irresistible bite-sized cannoli that’ll win hearts at any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, adding layers of texture, sweetness, and that unmistakable cannoli charm. From the crisp wonton wrappers that form the shell to the creamy ricotta mixture bursting with vanilla and cinnamon warmth, each element counts for a perfect bite.
- Wonton wrappers: These create the crisp, delicate cups that hold all the delicious filling.
- Melted butter: Brushing the wontons enhances browning and adds rich flavor to the shells.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on the cups before baking for a subtle, crunchy sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and aromatic spice to both the shells and filling.
- Ricotta cheese (drained): The star of the filling—smooth, creamy, and perfectly mild to balance sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling and gives it a silky texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely fragrant depth to the ricotta mixture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Folded into the filling and used as garnish, they offer pockets of melty chocolatey goodness.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For a crunchy, nutty garnish that adds a pleasant color contrast.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Cut your wonton wrappers into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cavities to form little cups—this careful shaping is what creates the fun, crispy base for your filling.
Step 2: Bake the Wonton Shells
Brush the tops of the wonton cups with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle them with a mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple step adds a sweet, spiced crunch to the shells. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and crispy. Allow them to cool completely in the muffin tin to hold their shape perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, which will add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cannoli Cups
Once your wonton cups are cool, fill each one generously with the ricotta mixture. You can spoon it in or use a piping bag for a neater presentation. Be generous here because the creamy filling is what makes this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe so indulgent and crave-worthy!
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Top each mini cannoli cup with some additional mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios if you’re feeling fancy. The colors and textures make these little treats irresistibly enticing.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is ready to be enjoyed immediately as a charming dessert or party snack that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios not only enhances the look but also adds complementary textures and flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can add a beautiful, snowy finish that’s classic and inviting.
Side Dishes
These mini cannoli cups stand out as a delightful dessert on their own, but you can serve them alongside a fresh berry salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast. Pairing with an espresso or sweet dessert wine makes an elegant touch for entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these mini cannoli cups on a tiered dessert stand to showcase their charm. You can also serve them in colorful cupcake liners for easy handling or on a platter lined with parchment paper and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant, inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the shells can soften over time from moisture in the filling, it’s best to keep the shells and filling separate if you plan to store for more than a few hours.
Freezing
While you can freeze the ricotta filling separately in a freezer-safe container, freezing the filled cannoli cups is not recommended because the wonton shells will lose their crispness. Thaw the filling overnight in the fridge before assembling fresh cups when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, reheating is tricky. If you must, remove the filling and gently re-crisp the shells in a toaster oven for a few minutes, then refill. This little extra effort helps maintain that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Ricotta is traditional and has the perfect mild, creamy texture, but you can experiment with mascarpone for a richer flavor or even cream cheese blended with a bit of ricotta to maintain balance.
How do I drain ricotta cheese properly?
Place the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl and refrigerate for a few hours to let excess whey drain out. This step prevents a watery filling and helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
Are there gluten-free alternatives for the wonton wrappers?
Yes, gluten-free wonton wrappers are available at some specialty stores, or you can use gluten-free phyllo sheets shaped similarly. Just watch the baking time closely as they can crisp faster.
Can I prepare these for a party ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and cool the shells a day ahead and keep the filling refrigerated. Assemble shortly before serving to keep that crispy texture intact.
What’s the best way to pipe the filling into the cups?
Fill a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This gives you control and creates a clean, pretty presentation without mess.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is like gifting yourself a slice of Italian joy that’s quick, delightful, and destined to impress. Whether it’s a weekday treat or a show-stopping party dessert, these tiny cannoli cups deliver big smiles and comfort in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s as addictive to make as it is to eat!
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 mini cannoli cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring crispy wonton wrappers baked to golden perfection and filled with a smooth ricotta cheese mixture studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly portioned for parties or a sweet snack, these bite-sized treats combine creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors with an optional nutty garnish of chopped pistachios for an extra pop of texture.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Cups
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for brushing)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush a mini muffin tin with melted butter or spray with cooking spray. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut the wonton wrappers into circles and gently press each into the muffin tin cups to form small cup shapes.
- Bake Wonton Cups: Brush the tops of the wonton wrappers with more melted butter. Sprinkle each cup with granulated sugar and cinnamon to add sweetness and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Allow the cups to cool completely in the muffin tin to maintain their shape.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly.
- Fill the Cups: Once the wonton cups are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the ricotta chocolate chip filling generously into each shell to ensure a filling-rich bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each mini cannoli cup with a few extra mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, if using, for added flavor and crunch.
- Enjoy: Serve these delightful bite-sized cannoli cups as a sweet treat perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or anytime you crave an indulgent snack.
Notes
- Ensure that the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
- Wonton wrappers can burn quickly, so watch the baking time carefully to achieve a perfect crisp.
- You can substitute chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts if pistachios are unavailable or undesired.
- For a dairy-free variation, consider using a plant-based ricotta alternative.
- Refrigerate leftover filled cannoli cups and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.
