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- 1 package of mini phyllo cups (15-18 cups) - 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained) - 1 cup mascarpone cheese - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish) - Additional powdered sugar (for dusting) You can switch out the ricotta with cream cheese for a richer taste. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone. For a sweet touch, use honey instead of powdered sugar. If you don’t like cinnamon, try nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor. - Cheese: Use fresh ricotta and mascarpone. They should be creamy and smooth. - Phyllo Cups: Check for crispy, golden cups. They should not be stale or broken. - Powdered Sugar: Choose a fine powder to ensure a smooth texture. - Chocolate Chips: Go for high-quality mini chocolate chips for more flavor. - Zest: Use fresh oranges for zest. This adds a bright, natural flavor. By picking quality ingredients, you make your mini cannoli cups taste even better. Enjoy making these fun treats! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing your cheeses. In a bowl, add one cup of ricotta cheese and one cup of mascarpone cheese. Make sure you drain the ricotta first. Next, add half a cup of powdered sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key for a rich filling. Then, gently fold in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips and the zest of one orange. The zest adds a bright flavor you will love. Now it’s time to fill the phyllo cups. Grab a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Fill each mini phyllo cup generously with the creamy filling. Don’t be shy—make them look nice and full! Once all the cups are filled, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for crunch. Then, dust them lightly with more powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Place your filled cups in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors mix well and makes them taste even better. When you’re ready to serve, arrange the cups on a nice platter. For added flair, scatter some extra chocolate chips and orange zest around the cups. Your guests will be impressed! To make the best cannoli cream, start with quality cheeses. Use fresh ricotta and mascarpone. Make sure to drain the ricotta well to avoid excess water. Mix both cheeses with powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth, but do not overmix. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and orange zest last. This keeps the chips whole and adds a fresh burst. One common mistake is using wet ricotta cheese. It can make the cream too runny. Always drain it well. Another mistake is overfilling the cups. Leave a little space at the top to prevent spilling. Do not skip chilling the cups. This helps the flavors blend and firms up the cream. I suggest serving one mini cannoli cup per person. They are rich and filling. For a nice touch, use a decorative platter. Arrange the cups in a circle or line. Scatter extra chocolate chips and orange zest around for color. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet look too. Enjoy your beautiful dessert! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ricotta and mascarpone are fresh for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Chill Before Serving: Chilling the filled cups for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and helps the filling set better. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavorings like almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist on the classic cannoli. Presentation Matters: Arrange your cups on a beautiful platter and consider garnishing with fresh berries or mint leaves for added color. {{image_2}} You can change the filling for mini cannoli cups to match your taste. Try adding different flavors to the ricotta and mascarpone mix. Here are some ideas: - Coffee: Mix in 1 tablespoon of espresso powder for a rich coffee flavor. - Chocolate: Use chocolate ricotta or add cocoa powder to the cream. - Fruit: Add pureed strawberries or peaches for a fruity twist. - Nutty: Stir in almond or hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor. These options let you get creative and make the dessert your own! Garnishes can make your mini cannoli cups look even better. Here are some fun ideas: - Berries: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color. - Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for added texture. - Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce for a sweet finish. - Mint: Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and fresh flavor. These toppings offer variety and make each bite special! You can easily adapt mini cannoli cups for different diets. Here’s how: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free phyllo cups. Make sure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free. - Vegan: Replace ricotta and mascarpone with vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar. These adjustments allow everyone to enjoy this tasty treat! To keep mini cannoli cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use a container that fits the cups snugly. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. Place a layer of parchment paper between the layers if you stack them. Keep the container in the fridge. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for long. Mini cannoli cups last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the filling may start to lose its creaminess. The phyllo cups will also get softer. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them within this time frame. You can freeze the filling separately from the phyllo cups. Store the filling in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy fresh cannoli cups later. Thaw the filling in the fridge overnight before using it. Fill the phyllo cups just before serving for the best crunch. Yes, you can use store-bought ingredients. For example, you can buy pre-made mini phyllo cups. You can also find ricotta and mascarpone cheese in many stores. Using store-bought items saves time. Just check for quality to ensure great taste. You can prepare the filling a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Fill the phyllo cups just before serving. This keeps the cups crisp and fresh. It's a great way to save time for parties. The best way to fill phyllo cups is by using a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a plastic sandwich bag works too. Just cut a small corner off. Fill each cup generously for a tasty bite. Absolutely! You can add different flavors to the filling. Try mixing in fruit, nuts, or spices. You can also swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit. Customizing makes each cup unique and fun! You learned about mini cannoli cups, from ingredients to storage. Quality ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Follow the tips for perfect filling and avoid common mistakes for great results. Don’t hesitate to customize your mini cups for fun flavors. Remember, these treats can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment. Now, get ready to impress with your new cannoli skills! Enjoy creating and sharing these delicious desserts.

Mini Cannoli Cups

Delicious mini phyllo cups filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone mixture, garnished with pistachios and chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 15
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package mini phyllo cups (15-18 cups)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
  • to taste additional powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  • Using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with one corner snipped off, pipe the ricotta mixture into each mini phyllo cup, filling them generously.
  • Once all the cups are filled, sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an added crunch.
  • Dust the tops lightly with additional powdered sugar for presentation.
  • Chill the cannoli cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Arrange the mini cannoli cups on a decorative platter and serve with a few extra chocolate chips and orange zest scattered around for an attractive touch.
Keyword cannoli, dessert, Italian, mini cups