If you’re dazzled by Italian desserts but crave something quick and utterly charming, this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. These delightful bite-sized treats capture all the creamy, crunchy magic of traditional cannoli without the fuss of deep-frying or rolling dough, making them perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself. With crisp wonton wrappers forming delicate cups filled with a luscious ricotta and chocolate chip mixture, these mini cannoli cups balance textures and flavors in the most irresistible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dessert. Each item contributes to the delightful contrast of crispness, sweetness, and creaminess—ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and bursting with authentic flavor.
- Wonton wrappers: These create the crunchy, golden cups that hold the filling beautifully.
- Melted butter: Used to brush the wonton wrappers, it adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crisp.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking to give a delicate sweetness and sparkle.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spiced note enhancing the flavor profile.
- Ricotta cheese: Drained for creamy smoothness, it’s the heart of the filling with a light, fresh taste.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling gently without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a fragrant depth that invites you in with every bite.
- Mini chocolate chips: Folded into the filling for delightful pockets of rich chocolate.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For a nutty crunch and vibrant color garnish.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter up a mini muffin tin generously to prevent sticking. Then, take your wonton wrappers and cut them into circles using a cookie cutter or glass—the size should fit snugly into each muffin cup. Gently press each circle into the tin, forming tiny cup shapes that will cradle your delicious filling perfectly.
Step 2: Bake to Crispy Golden Perfection
Brush the wonton cups with more melted butter to ensure a rich flavor and beautiful golden color. Sprinkle a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on top to add a sweet, spiced touch. Bake your cups for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown and develop that unmistakable crispness. Let them cool completely right in the tin—that way, they’ll keep their shape for filling.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling
While the cups are cooling, whip up the creamy filling. Combine the well-drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir it all together until smooth and velvety. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite of your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe.
Step 4: Fill the Cups with Creamy Goodness
Once cooled, it’s time to bring everything together. Generously spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into each wonton cup, filling them to the brim. Don’t be shy here—the luscious filling is the star of this show, and the more, the merrier!
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
For the final flourish, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips over the top of each cup and add a few chopped pistachios if you want some extra crunch and color contrast. These finishing touches elevate both the taste and the eye appeal of your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe.
Step 6: Enjoy and Share
Serve your mini cannoli cups immediately or chill them for a while if you prefer. These little morsels are perfect for parties, after-dinner treats, or anytime you crave something sweet, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to dress up your mini cannoli cups is with simple, fresh garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, while a few more chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top invite texture and color. If you like, a tiny sprig of mint can bring a refreshing touch as well. These little details make every bite feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Mini cannoli cups are a dessert, so pairing them with light, complementary sides works perfectly. Consider fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla gelato to add fruity brightness or creamy indulgence. A crisp cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine can also enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicate ricotta filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun when it comes to these mini cannoli cups. Try serving them on a tiered dessert tray for a party-ready display or nestling them in colorful cupcake liners for a festive vibe. You can even arrange them around a fruit platter for a lovely contrast of textures and colors that will wow all your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the mini cannoli cups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The crisp wonton cups will hold up best if kept separate from the filling until ready to serve. If filled ahead of time, expect the cups to soften slightly after a day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe since the delicate texture of the wonton cups and the creamy ricotta filling do not freeze well. The cups lose their crispness, and the filling’s texture may become grainy upon thawing.
Reheating
Because these treats are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and can cause the cups to become soggy. If you want to crisp up any leftover empty wonton cups before filling them again, a quick few minutes in a 350°F oven will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ricotta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the ricotta well to avoid a watery filling. You can place it in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to get a thicker consistency perfect for your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, consider using phyllo dough sheets cut into small circles. Keep in mind phyllo is more fragile, so handle gently and brush each layer with butter to achieve crispiness.
How long will these mini cannoli cups stay fresh?
Filled mini cannoli cups are best enjoyed within a day for optimal texture and flavor. Unfilled cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days without losing their crispness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can try substituting the ricotta with a plant-based cream cheese or coconut-based ricotta alternative. The texture and flavor will differ slightly, but it can still be delicious and work well for a dairy-free twist.
Is it possible to make these mini cannoli cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the wonton cups a day ahead and keep them stored in an airtight container. Prepare the filling fresh on the day you want to serve and fill just before presenting to maintain the best textures for your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe a try because it’s such a joy to make and share with friends and family. It combines simplicity and elegance in every bite and brings a fresh twist to a much-loved Italian classic. Whether for a special occasion or a weekday treat, these mini cannoli cups will light up your dessert table and your taste buds!
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-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful bite-sized treats that combine crispy baked wonton wrappers with a creamy ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly sweetened with cinnamon and powdered sugar, these easy-to-make cups offer a delicious twist on traditional cannoli, ideal for parties or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Cups
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the 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
For Garnish (optional)
- Extra mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Cups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush a mini muffin tin with melted butter or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut the wonton wrappers into circles. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cups to form a small cup shape.
- Bake the Cups: Brush the tops of the wonton wrappers inside the muffin tin with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to add flavor and sweetness. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp. Remove the muffin tin and allow the cups to cool completely while still inside the tin to hold their shape.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well incorporated. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Fill the Cups: Once the wonton cups are completely cooled, spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into each cup. Be generous to ensure each mini cup is filled nicely with creamy filling.
- Add Garnish: Top each filled cannoli cup with a few extra mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios if using. This adds a nice crunch and vibrant color to the presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mini cannoli cups fresh as a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for parties, gatherings, or any special occasion.
Notes
- Make sure to drain ricotta cheese well to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- Wonton wrappers bake quickly; watch closely to avoid burning the edges.
- Use a piping bag for a neater filling presentation, or simply spoon it in carefully.
- Chopped pistachios add a nice texture and flavor but are optional.
- These cups are best enjoyed the same day for optimal crispiness but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
