Oh my goodness, let me tell you about mini cannoli cups! These little bites of heaven are not just adorable; they’re packed with creamy ricotta and a hint of chocolate that’ll make your taste buds sing! Whenever I want to impress guests or treat myself (because, why not?), I whip these up. They’re a playful twist on the classic Italian cannoli, and honestly, they’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before. Trust me, once you serve these, everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients for Mini Cannoli Cups
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
How to Prepare Mini Cannoli Cups
Preheat and Bake
First things first, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your mini phyllo cups and place them on a baking sheet. You want them evenly spaced so they bake perfectly. Pop them in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Oh, the smell of baking phyllo is just heavenly!
Prepare the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest. This adds a lovely brightness to your filling that’s simply irresistible!
Assemble the Mini Cannoli Cups
Once your phyllo cups are baked and cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them up! Spoon a generous amount of that creamy ricotta mixture into each cup—don’t be shy! Then, chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is key; it enhances the texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to let them sit!
Nutritional Information
These mini cannoli cups are not only a delightful treat but also give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in! Each serving, which is one adorable cannoli cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delightful treats ready in no time!
- Easy to customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite flavors or toppings to make these cannoli cups uniquely yours.
- Delicious flavor: The creamy ricotta paired with chocolate and a hint of orange zest creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste.
- Great for parties: These mini cannoli cups are a showstopper! They’re perfect for serving at gatherings, and everyone loves them.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your mini cannoli cups turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Trust me, using fresh ricotta cheese will elevate the flavor of your filling. It makes a huge difference in taste and texture! Learn more about ricotta cheese.
- Chill the filling: If you have a bit of time, let your ricotta mixture chill for about 15 minutes before filling the cups. This helps thicken it up a bit more and makes it even easier to fill!
- Don’t overbake the phyllo cups: Keep a close eye on them in the oven! They should be golden but not too dark. You want that perfect crispy texture without burning!
- Garnish for flair: Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for that beautiful presentation!
- Let them chill: I can’t stress this enough—chilling the filled cups for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld together and gives you that creamy, dreamy texture!
Follow these tips, and your mini cannoli cups will be a hit! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Variations on Mini Cannoli Cups
If you’re feeling adventurous (and I know you are!), there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these mini cannoli cups! Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Filling: Swap out the ricotta for a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread! Just mix in some powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla for an indulgent twist.
- Fruit-Infused Cream: Add some pureed strawberries or raspberries to the ricotta filling for a fruity flavor. You can even fold in some freshly chopped fruit for added texture!
- Spiced Pumpkin Filling: For a seasonal treat, mix in some pumpkin puree with the ricotta, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s like autumn in a cup!
- Nutty Deliciousness: Chop up some pistachios or almonds and fold them into the filling. Top with crushed nuts for an extra crunch!
- Coffee Lovers Delight: Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder or some cold brew concentrate into the ricotta for a delightful coffee flavor that’s perfect for a brunch treat!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the filled cups just before serving for a sweet and sticky finish that’s absolutely divine!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and let your taste buds guide you. Each twist will give you a unique take on these delightful mini cannoli cups!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got those beautiful mini cannoli cups ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve with them to amp up the dessert experience! Trust me, a few thoughtful additions can take your dessert spread to the next level.
First off, a nice cup of freshly brewed espresso or a rich cappuccino pairs perfectly with these creamy treats. The bold coffee flavor complements the sweetness of the cannoli cups beautifully, creating a delightful balance. Explore different coffee brewing methods.
If you want to add a bit of flair, consider serving the mini cannoli cups alongside a vibrant fruit salad. The freshness of seasonal fruits like berries, kiwi, or citrus not only adds color to your table but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
For those who love a little crunch, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts—like pistachios or almonds—on the side can enhance the texture experience. You could even offer a selection of sauces, like chocolate or caramel, for drizzling over the cups just before serving.
And don’t forget about whipped cream! A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an extra creamy layer that pairs wonderfully with the cannoli’s filling. It’s like a dreamy cloud that makes each bite even more indulgent!
So go ahead, set the scene with these lovely accompaniments, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. Your guests will be raving about this delightful dessert experience long after the last mini cannoli cup is gone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful mini cannoli cups, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! To store any leftovers (if there are any, but I doubt it!), simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them, so the filling doesn’t get all squished. Nobody wants a messy cannoli cup!
Now, as for reheating, you don’t really need to do that since these treats are best served chilled. However, if you prefer them a bit warmer (which is totally valid!), just take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps to soften the filling just a bit without losing that lovely creamy texture.
So go ahead, make your mini cannoli cups in advance, store them right, and enjoy the sweet bliss whenever the craving hits! You’ll be the star of dessert hour, I promise!
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cannoli cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini cannoli cups filled with creamy ricotta and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix in chocolate chips and orange zest.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the ricotta mixture.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ricotta for best flavor.
- Chill filled cups to enhance texture.
- Garnish with additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: mini cannoli cups, dessert, Italian dessert
