Hey there, dessert lovers! Get ready to embark on a delightful journey to Italy with me as we dive into the world of mini cannoli cups. These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of crispy shells and luscious creamy filling. They're a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, and today, I'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible delights. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to savor the flavors of Italy!
Ingredients:
For the cannoli cups:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- Cooking spray
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
For the cannoli filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips, for garnish
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Cannoli Cups
First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the package of refrigerated pie crusts. Take the pie crusts out of the package and unroll them onto a clean surface. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass, cut out circles from the pie crusts. Each circle should be about 3 inches in diameter.
Step 2: Shaping the Cannoli Cups
Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press each pie crust circle into the mini muffin tin, molding it to the shape of the cups. Make sure the dough reaches the top edges of the cups to create a well for the filling. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust circles.
Step 3: Baking the Cannoli Cups
Sprinkle each pie crust cup with a pinch of granulated sugar. This will give them a touch of sweetness and a beautiful golden color. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the cannoli cups for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cups to cool completely.
Step 4: Preparing the Cannoli Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling and gently fold them in.
Step 5: Filling the Cannoli Cups
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooled cannoli cup with the prepared ricotta filling. Pipe or spoon the filling into the cups until they're nicely filled but not overflowing. Feel free to get creative and add as much or as little filling as you desire.
Step 6: Garnishing the Mini Cannoli Cups
To add a touch of elegance and flavor, garnish the filled cannoli cups with mini chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch and a pop of color. Let your creativity shine and experiment with different toppings to suit your taste.
Step 7: Ready to Indulge!
Congratulations, my dessert enthusiasts! Your mini cannoli cups are now ready to be enjoyed. Arrange them on a platter or a dessert table, and watch as they disappear within seconds. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Each delicate bite will transport you to the streets of Italy, where cannoli reign supreme.
There you have it, a simple and delightful recipe for making mini cannoli cups.
With their crispy shells and creamy ricotta filling, these bite-sized wonders are sure to win the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and let your taste buds embark on a mini culinary vacation. Get ready to savor the essence of Italy in each heavenly bite. Buon appetito!
Note: This blog post was inspired by the recipe from Love Bakes Good Cakes.