Cannoli Bites

Make these Cannoli Bites. Devour these Cannoli Bites. That is all I have to say. Okay not really all I have to say because these are my dream dessert, I have such a soft spot for Italian and French pastries so, really I have plenty to say about these. First of all, the cups for these are made from a cannoli dough (I made it a bit thicker than I would for a cannoli shell that would be wrapped around a flute and fried, simply so it could hold its shape a little better). The cups are baked in mini muffin cups, not fried. So, to add a bit of that fried flavor I sprayed them with vegetable oil before baking (so I suppose if you want to be a bit healthier you could leave it off, but I think it’s nearly a must). I’m not a traditional cannoli filling kind of person, I need a cannoli filling with Mascarpone to be completely satisfied with this dessert. There is just so much Mascarpone has to offer that Ricotta doesn’t, so whenever I make cannoli anything I always use a combo of both. Mascarpone is probably the best cheese this world has to offer. Okay along with cheddar, I am American. It’s like cream cheese meets royalty. It’s utterly creamy texture and delicate sweetness is something no other can imitate. I’d call it the cheese of Heaven. Anyways, yes cannoli needs Mascarpone but it is not the most traditional way. Another cannoli must I’d say is some form of chocolate. Whether you dip the shells in chocolate or sprinkle these with mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate or even chocolate curls), please don’t leave the chocolate out. And If you really want to make these fancy, dip and coat the shells with pistachios. It makes them not only irresistibly decadent but also pistachio cannolis are such an Italian classic.

If you have sweet Marsala wine on hand you can use that in place of the juice and vinegar (so just omit both of those and replace it with 1/2 cup Marsala wine). Take these to your next party and they may likely become the highlight of the gathering. I don’t care who’s there or what awaits for dinner, I just want cannoli bites =). Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Combines the rich, creamy flavors of mascarpone and ricotta.
• Perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mini cupcake pan
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter
• Electric mixer
• One-gallon freezer bag

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Flour for dusting surface

Filling:

• 1 15 oz. container of whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Prepare filling by combining ricotta, confectioners sugar, white sugar, and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer. Place in a one-gallon freezer bag and refrigerate.
3. Roll out pie crusts and sprinkle each side with sugar and cinnamon. Use a rolling pin to press the mixture into the crust.
4. Cut out circles in the dough using a biscuit cutter.
5. Lightly press circles into ungreased mini cupcake pans to form pastry cups. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent rising.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool.
7. Fill cooled pastry cups with cream by cutting a small corner off the freezer bag.
8. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the pastry cups are cool before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
• For an extra crispy texture, consider brushing the inside of the cups with melted chocolate before filling.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a touch of citrus zest to the filling for a brighter flavor.
• Experiment with toppings like chopped nuts or candied fruit for extra texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Store the filled cups in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

In conclusion, these Cannoli Bites are a delightful treat that combines the best of Italian pastry flavors with a convenient, bite-sized presentation. Perfect for entertaining or simply indulging yourself, these little desserts are sure to impress. Give them a try and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Enjoy!