Cannoli Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cannoli Bites are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering all the creamy, chocolatey goodness in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, these mini treats are easy to make and sure to impress.

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 room temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter or a similar-sized cup, cut out 12 rounds from the dough. Place each round into an ungreased mini muffin tin and gently press the dough with your fingers to fit the pan shape.
2. Step 2: Bake the pie cups for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 15 minutes before filling.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Step 4: Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooled pie cups. For a neater presentation, place the filling in a resealable plastic bag, cut off a corner, or use a piping bag with a star tip to fill each cup. Top with additional mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Strain the ricotta cheese overnight or for several hours to remove excess moisture, leading to a thicker, creamier filling.
• Try adding a touch of orange zest or cinnamon to the filling for extra flavor.
• Substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped pistachios or candied fruit for a different texture and taste.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pie crusts or tart shells.

Storage

Store the Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill the pie cups just before serving to avoid sogginess. Reheat the empty pie cups briefly in the oven if desired, but the filling should be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the pie cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with the ricotta mixture just before serving to keep them crisp.

What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese or additional ricotta for a slightly different but still delicious creamy filling.

Cannoli Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

These delightful Cannoli Bites are a quick and easy dessert made with premade pie crust cups filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone cheese mixture, studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they combine crunchy, golden pastry shells with a smooth, sweet filling for an irresistible bite-sized indulgence.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust Cups

• 1 premade pie crust

Ricotta 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. Prepare Pie Crust Cups: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Unroll the premade 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. Place each round into the wells of an ungreased mini muffin tin, pressing gently with your fingers to fit the dough snugly into each cup.
2. Bake the Cups: Bake the pie crust cups for 10-12 minutes until they become a light golden brown color. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely for about 15 minutes, ensuring the cups hold their shape when filled.
3. Make the Ricotta Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strained whole milk ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Fill the Cups: Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into the cooled pie crust cups. For a more decorative presentation, place the filling in a large resealable plastic bag or a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, cut a small corner, and squeeze to fill the cups evenly. Garnish by sprinkling additional mini chocolate chips on top and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cannoli bites immediately or chill briefly before serving for a refreshing treat. These bite-size desserts are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet indulgence any time.

Notes

• Straining the ricotta cheese removes excess moisture, ensuring a thicker, creamier filling that holds well in the cups.
• Allow the pie cups to cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-lock bag with a small cut corner works well for filling the cups neatly.
• Mini chocolate chips can be substituted with finely chopped chocolate or chocolate shavings.
• These cannoli bites are best consumed the same day to keep the pie crust crisp.

Keywords: Cannoli, Cannoli Bites, Mini Cannoli, Ricotta Dessert, Italian Dessert, Easy Dessert, Party Appetizer