Mini Cannoli Cups

Name: Mini Cannoli Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 container whole-milk ricotta cheese (15 oz., drained); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 count), softened as directed on box; 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios; Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Jessica Baker

Update : December 8, 2025

Mini cannoli cups filled with creamy ricotta and chocolate chips

why make this recipe

Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. They are bite-sized treats that combine the creamy filling of cannoli with a crispy, flaky shell. These cups are easy to make and perfect for parties or family gatherings. Plus, they allow everyone to enjoy a little bit of a traditional dessert without the mess. The combination of sweet ricotta filling with the crunch of the pie crust makes these cups irresistible!

how to make Mini Cannoli Cups

Ingredients:

1 container whole-milk ricotta cheese (15 oz., drained)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box (2 count)
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios
Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lightly flour your work surface, unroll the pie crusts, and lay them flat.
Sprinkle both pie crusts with turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon, then roll gently to press the sugar and cinnamon into the dough.
Cut out 2½-inch rounds from the pie crusts using a cookie or biscuit cutter.
Press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the cups in the pans for 15 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
In a mixing bowl, beat all filling ingredients until creamy.
Place the filling in a resealable bag and refrigerate.
Once cooled, fill each cup with about 1 tablespoon of the filling using the bag.
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

how to serve Mini Cannoli Cups

Mini Cannoli Cups are best served fresh. You can set them out on a platter for dessert at gatherings, or serve them at a coffee or tea party. They look beautiful and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You could also put a few cups in dessert bowls for a lovely presentation.

how to store Mini Cannoli Cups

If you have leftovers, store the Mini Cannoli Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the filling separate from the cups to ensure the shells remain crispy. If you have filled cups, they are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored for a day if necessary.

tips to make Mini Cannoli Cups

Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well to avoid a watery filling.
For a fun twist, experiment with different flavors in the filling, like adding chopped fruit or flavored extracts.
Don’t skip the dusting of powdered sugar at the end; it adds a nice finish and sweetness.

variation

You can easily customize Mini Cannoli Cups by adding different mix-ins to the filling. Consider using mascarpone cheese for a richer taste, or try adding spices like nutmeg for a different flavor. Substituting crushed cookies or nuts into the mixture also offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.

FAQs

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

2. What if I don’t have turbinado sugar?
If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar. It won’t have the same texture, but it will work just fine.

3. Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Cups?
It’s not recommended to freeze filled cannoli cups, as the filling may affect the texture of the shell. However, you can freeze the baked cups without filling and fill them when ready to serve.