Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Mini Cannoli Bites are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for parties or an elegant snack. Crisp pastry cups filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone mixture make each bite irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 premade pie crust
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface or cutting board and use a 2 ½ inch round cutter to cut out 12 rounds.
2. Step 2: Place each round into an ungreased mini muffin tin and press gently with your fingers to shape the dough into cups.
3. Step 3: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cups are a light golden brown. Let them cool completely for about 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips, mixing until smooth.
5. Step 5: Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into each cooled pie cup. Top with extra mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Strain your ricotta overnight in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure a creamy, thick filling.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for chopped pistachios or candied orange peel for a different flavor.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip to make the filling look more decorative and elegant.

Storage

Store leftover Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fill the pastry cups just before serving to keep the shells crisp. Reheat pastry cups alone in a low oven if desired, but avoid microwaving filled bites to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of premade?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works perfectly and can add a personal touch to your Mini Cannoli Bites.

How do I strain ricotta cheese?

Place ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl and let it drain in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to remove excess moisture for a thicker filling.

Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Delight in these Mini Cannoli Bites—crispy pie crust cups filled with a luscious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, sweetened with powdered sugar and studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for an elegant dessert or party appetizer, these bite-sized treats offer all the classic cannoli flavors in an easy-to-make, oven-baked form.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini cannoli bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Crust

• 1 premade pie crust

Filling

• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dough: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Unroll the room temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, cookie cutter, or a cup, cut out 12 rounds of pie crust.
2. Form crust cups: Place each round carefully into an ungreased mini muffin tin. Use your fingers to gently press the dough down and around the sides to fit the pan and create small cups.
3. Bake the crust: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pie crust cups turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely for about 15 minutes to firm up.
4. Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly incorporated.
5. Fill and decorate: Spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooled pie cup. For a neat presentation, place the filling into a large resealable plastic bag or pastry bag, cut a small corner or use a star tip, and pipe the filling into the cups. Top each filled cup with additional mini chocolate chips and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. These mini cannoli bites are perfect for entertaining or a sweet snack anytime.

Notes

• Straining the ricotta ensures a smooth, creamy filling without excess moisture.
• Use room temperature pie crust to make cutting and shaping easier.
• Mini muffin tins create perfectly sized portions and help the crust hold its shape.
• The filling can be piped for a professional look, but spooning works fine too.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for freshness.

Keywords: Mini Cannoli Bites, cannoli recipe, ricotta dessert, mini dessert cups, easy Italian dessert