Okay, picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, the smell of coffee is wafting through the house, and you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these Mini Cannoli Cups come in! They have all the deliciousness of a traditional cannoli—that creamy, sweet ricotta filling and those wonderful little chocolate chips—but without the fuss of deep-frying shells. Think of it like a super easy, incredibly tasty cannoli makeover. If you love a good no-bake dessert like tiramisu, these little cups are going to be your new best friend. The secret to a rich cannoli filling is always using whole milk ricotta. Trust me on this one!
What is a mini cannoli cup?
So, what *are* Mini Cannoli Cups? Simply put, they’re a deconstructed version of the classic Italian dessert. Instead of laboriously making and frying cannoli shells, we’re using pre-made waffle cone cups or even pizzelle cookies shaped into mini bowls. It’s essentially a shortcut that tastes just as amazing, maybe even better because it’s so darn easy. The star of the show is, of course, the cannoli cream filling – a sweet, smooth ricotta cheese mixture with a hint of citrus and those delightful mini chocolate chips. You get all the flavors and textures you love from a cannoli in a fun, single-serving package. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen, and it’s so simple the kids can help out!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this recipe is the *simplicity*. Honestly, anyone can make these Mini Cannoli Cups – even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The flavor, though? Forget about it! The sweetness of the ricotta filling, the crunch of the waffle cone, and those bursts of chocolate… it’s an absolute dream.
And talk about budget-friendly! You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Plus, it’s so versatile. You can switch up the toppings, add different flavors to the ricotta, or even use different types of cups. I even tested this once with a dash of almond extract and a sprinkle of pistachios, and it was divine! These are perfect for parties because they’re individual portions, no fuss at all, just yummy.
I also love that you don’t have to heat up the oven, which is a total lifesaver during the summer. These are seriously perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake a whole cake. And if you’re anything like me, that craving hits at least once a week! These Mini Cannoli Cups are also a fantastic alternative to more complicated desserts like classic cannoli or even cream puffs when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
How do I make mini cannoli cups?
Quick Overview
How do I make mini cannoli cups? What do you do with ricotta waffle cones? assembling them like little edible towers of joy. What is the best way to do it in 20 minutes? No baking involved, so you can keep your kitchen cool and your sanity intact.
Ingredients
For the Cups:
- 12 waffle cone cups (I prefer the mini size, but regular works too!)
- Or pizzelle cookies. Or lemon
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (drained really well – this is important!)
- 34 cup powdered sugar: 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 2 tablespoons ground
- 14 cup mini chocolate chips. 1 tsp.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, but adds a nice zing!)
For the Garnish: What are
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): For
- Mini chocolate chips (for extra sparkle)
- Chopped pistachios (for a pop of color): What are some
- Can you make candied orange peel?
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta
What is the most important step in draining ricotta? Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towels. Let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. How do I get rid of excess moisture in my filling?
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, powdered sugar, Vanilla Extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Set aside. What is zest (if using)? Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Don’t overmix, just until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
How do you pipe ricotta filling into a waffle cone cup? Is it better to use a piping bag or just spoon it in for the rustic look? Is it true that it tastes the same either way?
Step 5: Garnish
Dust the tops of the filled cups with powdered sugar. If you like, sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and candied orange peel. How do I make a girl look pretty?
Step 6: Chill
Place the filled mini cannoli cups in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Cannoli Cups: Serve chilled and watch them disappear! What are some of the best sweets to serve at parties?
What should I serve it with?
Cannoli Cups: These are pretty fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them. what makes it special is that it is
For Breakfast:Enjoy these with a strong cup of Italian coffee, like espresso or cappuccino. Is there a better way to start the day than to go on holiday in Italy?
For Brunch:Arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh berries and serve with mimosas. What are the best side dishes for brunch?
As Dessert: Serve them after dinner with a glass of dessert wine, like Vin Santo or Moscato d’Asti. The sweetness of the wine complements the creamy filling perfectly.
For Cozy Snacks:What is a good snack for the evening? My kids love this combo!
My family always makes these around the holidays, and they disappear within minutes. Isn’t it festive to make these cookies?
How do you make a perfect mini cannoli cup?
How do I make Mini Cannoli Cups? What are some of the Best Tips I have learned over the years?
Ricotta DrainageDon’t skip the ricotta drainage step. It’s crucial for preventing a soggy filling. If you’re short on time, you can press the ricotta with paper towels to speed up the process.
Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a smoother filling. It dissolves more easily and creates a silky texture.
Flavor Variations: Get creative with your filling! You can add a touch of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a splash of liquor like Marsala wine. The possibilities are endless!
Chocolate Chips: Use mini chocolate chips instead of regular-sized ones. They distribute more evenly throughout the filling and provide a better chocolate-to-ricotta ratio.
Garnish: Don’t be afraid to get fancy with your garnishes. Chopped pistachios, candied orange peel, and a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate these Mini Cannoli Cups to a whole new level.
Cup Selection: If you can’t find waffle cone cups, pizzelle cookies are an elegant substitute. Or if you are feeling ambitious make your own cannoli shells!
Chill Time: Let the filled cups chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to firm up and prevents them from being too messy.
Pro Tip: If you are using Pizzelle cookies, make sure to fill the cups closer to the time that you are serving. The cookies are more likely to get soggy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: These are best served fresh, but you can leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours if needed. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the filled Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cups might soften a bit over time.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the filling can become watery and the cups can lose their crunch. Best to enjoy them fresh!
Glaze Timing Advice: Serve these fresh! If you know that you want to make them ahead of time, store the filling separately from the waffle cone cups. Then assemble these closer to the time you’re going to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, I hope you’re as excited to make these Mini Cannoli Cups as I am to share this recipe with you. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser, so easy to make, and taste like a little slice of Italy. The best part is that you can customize them to your liking – add your favorite flavors, toppings, and garnishes to create your own signature version. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other no-bake desserts for more quick and easy treats. Now, go ahead and give these Mini Cannoli Cups a try. And hey, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking (or, should I say, happy filling!) Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
