Mini Cannoli Bites Treat

These Mini Cannoli Bites capture the essence of classic Italian cannoli in a playful bitesized form perfect for any occasion. The combination of a crisp, golden pastry shell with a creamy, sweet ricotta and mascarpone filling makes these treats irresistibly delightful. Whether you need a quick dessert for guests or a charming snack to satisfy a sweet tooth, these bites come together with minimal effort and impressive results.

I first made these for a family gathering, and they instantly became the star of the table. Now, whenever dessert is needed, these mini treats are my go to.

Ingredients

• Premade pie crust: convenient and flaky, opt for good quality for the best texture
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: creates a smooth and slightly tangy base, strain if too watery for best results
• Mascarpone cheese: adds richness and creaminess, essential for authentic flavor
• Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes, use pure vanilla for depth
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and lightens the filling, sift to avoid lumps
• Mini chocolate chips: bring mini bursts of chocolate and a fun texture, choose semi sweet for balance

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius to prepare for baking the pastry cups. This high temperature will create that perfect golden, crisp shell.

Prepare Pastry Cups:

Unroll the premade pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board. Use a 2 ½ inch round cutter to cut 12 circles from the dough. Gently place each circle into an ungreased mini muffin tin and press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides so it fits snugly without tearing. This ensures even baking and satisfaction in each bite.

Bake Pastry Cups:

Bake the dough rounds for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a delicate light golden brown. Keep a close eye toward the end to avoid over browning. When baked, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool completely about 15 minutes. Cooling lets the pastry firm up so the filling won’t make it soggy.

Mix Filling:

In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the strained ricotta cheese with mascarpone cheese. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips evenly; these add bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Fill Pastry Cups:

Spoon the creamy filling into each cooled pastry cup. For a neater presentation, transfer filling to a plastic bag or pastry bag with the tip cut off and pipe the mixture into your cups. This step helps control portions and keeps it tidy.

Garnish and Serve:

Top each filled cup with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips and sift lightly with powdered sugar for that final elegant touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling.

One of my favorite things about these bites is how the mascarpone adds a velvety richness that lifts the whole dessert. When I first introduced them at a holiday party, friends kept asking for seconds, amazed at how something so simple could taste so special.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to two days. The pastry may lose some crispness over time but will still taste fantastic. For best texture, enjoy them fresh or refresh the shells by briefly warming in a low oven before filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find mascarpone, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with a splash of heavy cream to approximate the creamy texture. For dairy free options, try coconut cream with a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful bites with a dusting of cocoa powder or alongside a fresh berry compote for added brightness. They pair beautifully with coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

These mini cannoli bites are an easy, crowd pleasing dessert that comes together quickly. Enjoy them fresh for the best contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of pastry is used for mini cannoli bites?

Premade pie crust is used to form the flaky, golden pastry cups, offering a crisp texture that complements the creamy filling.

→ How is the creamy filling made?

The filling combines strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips, blended until smooth and creamy.

→ Can I prepare the pastry cups in advance?

Yes, the pastry cups can be baked ahead of time and cooled completely before filling to save preparation time.

→ What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to bake the pastry cups until they are lightly golden and crisp.

→ Are there alternative ways to fill the cups neatly?

For a tidy presentation, use a resealable plastic bag or pastry bag to pipe the filling into the cooled pastry cups.

→ What garnish enhances the mini cannoli bites?

Sprinkling additional mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar adds both flavor and visual appeal.