Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cannoli cups! They’re like a delightful little twist on the classic Italian dessert that we all know and love. I mean, who doesn’t adore a good cannoli? But imagine being able to pop these charming little cups right into your mouth—pure bliss! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The creamy, sweet ricotta filling, paired with a burst of chocolate and a hint of citrus from the orange zest, just makes my heart sing. Trust me, once you try these mini cannoli cups, you’ll wonder why you ever made the full-sized version! They’re perfect for parties, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave a bit of Italian sweetness in your life.
Ingredients List
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably fresh for the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (adds a lovely brightness)
How to Prepare Mini Cannoli Cups
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious mini cannoli cups! Trust me, the steps are super simple and totally rewarding. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those phyllo cups to bake perfectly golden and crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Once your oven is preheated, grab a baking sheet and arrange your mini phyllo cups on it. Make sure they’re spaced out nicely so they can crisp up evenly.
- Bake them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to too crispy in a blink!
- While those little cups are baking, let’s whip up the 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 them together until it’s all smooth and creamy. It should smell divine!
- Now, gently fold in the 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. This is where the magic happens—just be careful not to overmix!
- Once your phyllo cups are out of the oven and cooled slightly, fill each cup with that luscious ricotta mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a fancier touch!
- Finally, pop those filled cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to chill them down. Trust me, they taste even better after a little rest!
And there you have it! Your mini cannoli cups are all ready to impress!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these mini cannoli cups, it’s nice to know what you’re getting, right? Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious cup:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, this information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, a little treat now and then is all part of the fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So quick to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Incredibly flavorful with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinners.
- Mini-sized for guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Trust me, once you whip these up, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your mini cannoli cups turn out absolutely perfect! First and foremost, always use fresh ricotta cheese—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture. If you can find it at a local market, go for it! Next, don’t skip the chilling time; letting those filled cups rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend beautifully and gives that creamy filling the right consistency.
Also, feel free to get creative with flavors! You can swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a lovely twist, or throw in some chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch. And remember, if you want an extra kick of zest, try adding a bit of lemon zest alongside the orange. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your mini cannoli cups to the next level!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your mini cannoli cups, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, try swapping out the vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract. It brings a whole new flavor profile that’s simply delightful! You could also experiment with different mix-ins; how about adding some finely chopped strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist? The burst of fresh fruit pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Another fun option is to top your cannoli cups with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for some added texture and pizzazz. You could even infuse the ricotta with a bit of espresso for a coffee-flavored treat that’s perfect for coffee lovers! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make these mini cannoli cups uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your mini cannoli cups properly is key to keeping them delicious! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To keep those phyllo cups crisp, I recommend storing them separately from the filling if possible. This way, they won’t get soggy!
As for reheating, these little gems are best enjoyed cold, so I’d skip the oven. Just take them out of the fridge and enjoy their creamy goodness straight away. They’re perfect for that sweet craving anytime!
Serving Suggestions
These mini cannoli cups are truly delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage elevates the experience! I love serving them alongside a rich espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. They’re perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even just a cozy night in. Trust me, a little cannoli cup with a warm drink is pure happiness!
For more information on the history of cannoli, check out this History of Cannoli article.
If you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of ricotta cheese, visit this Healthline article.
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cannoli cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cannoli cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, filled with sweet 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).
- Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips and orange zest.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the ricotta mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor.
- Try adding different flavors like almond extract.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: mini cannoli cups, Italian dessert, cannoli recipe
