There’s a charming moment when friends gather, laughter fills the air, and suddenly, the sweet scent of warm pastries wafts through your kitchen. That was my inspiration for creating these delightful Mini Cannoli Bites. After a long day, I craved something indulgent yet easy to whip up, transforming the classic Italian dessert into a charming bite-sized treat that brings joy without the fuss.
Imagine crisp, golden pastry shells filled with a creamy, dreamy ricotta mixture. These little bites are perfect for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or simply treating yourself on a cozy evening. Ready in under an hour, they allow you to enjoy the luxurious flavors of cannoli without spending hours in the kitchen. Each simple ingredient combines to create a crunchy, sweet, and utterly satisfying experience. So, if you’re looking for a dessert that not only impresses but also delights, let’s dive into making these irresistible Mini Cannoli Bites together!
Why are Mini Cannoli Bites a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: The sweet ricotta filling paired with crisp pastry makes every bite a delightful experience.
Quick to make: With just under an hour required from prep to plate, these treats fit any busy schedule.
Versatile: Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or as a leisurely dessert at home, they please all palates.
Kid-friendly: Fun to eat and easy to share, kids love these bite-sized delights.
Garnish options: Feel free to personalize your bites with chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest for an extra pop!
If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your homemade treats, check out our expert tips for dessert garnishes.
Mini Cannoli Bites Ingredients
For the Pastry Shells
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base for your crunchy shells; ensure it’s sifted for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor; soften before incorporating for easier mixing.
- Egg – Provides structure; you can use a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Sugar – Sweetens the pastry; don’t skip this for that touch of sweetness.
- Salt – Balances flavors; a pinch goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together; cold water works best to maintain a tender texture.
For the Ricotta Filling
- Ricotta cheese – The star of your filling; opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens your ricotta mixture; use it for a smoother consistency compared to granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth; for a twist, consider using almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cinnamon – This warm spice enhances the sweetness of the filling; just a pinch brings a delightful warmth.
For Garnishing
- Mini chocolate chips – These add a touch of sweetness and sophistication; feel free to omit if preferred.
- Chopped nuts – Consider pistachios or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch; a tasty alternative to chocolate.
- Powdered sugar – A classic finishing touch; dust it on just before serving for visual charm.
These Mini Cannoli Bites are truly a feast for the senses, combining familiar flavors with delightful presentation!
How to Make Mini Cannoli Bites
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Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, softened butter, egg, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Knead until smooth for about 5 minutes.
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Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a circular cutter or a knife to cut into small circles or rectangles, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
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Fry the Pastry Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the dough pieces, frying until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Mix well until it reaches a uniform texture.
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Assemble the Mini Cannoli Bites: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cooled pastry shell with the ricotta mixture. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage!
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Serve: Arrange the filled Mini Cannoli Bites on a serving platter. Garnish with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation before serving.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cannoli Bites
Room Temperature: Store any unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness.
Fridge: If you have leftover filled Mini Cannoli Bites, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be aware that the shells may soften over time.
Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze unfilled pastry shells in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before filling.
Reheating: Reheat the filled Mini Cannoli Bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back some of their crispy texture. Enjoy them fresh for the best experience!
Mini Cannoli Bites Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful bites to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Option: Use a combination of plant-based butter and a flax egg in the pastry, and swap out ricotta for a creamy tofu or cashew cheese filling.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the ricotta mixture for a rich chocolatey delight that takes these bites to the next level.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the ricotta filling for an unexpected warmth and flavor.
- Fruit-Infused: Fold in finely chopped dried fruits like figs or candied orange peel into the ricotta for a delightful fruity twist.
- Savory Surprise: Experiment with blending herbs like basil or mint into the filling for a unique take that surprises the palate.
- Zesty Burst: Add zest from lemon or orange to brighten the filling, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Instead of chocolate chips, add finely chopped pistachios or hazelnuts on top for a crunchy and earthy finish.
Enjoy the process of creating these-layered flavors, and make each bite a true reflection of your culinary spirit!
What to Serve with Mini Cannoli Bites?
Elevate your next gathering with delightful pairings that enhance the sweet indulgence of these charming desserts.
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Espresso Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of espresso perfectly complement the sweetness of the ricotta filling, creating a classic Italian experience.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy, vibrant berries add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Mini Cannoli Bites while brightening the presentation.
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Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream offers a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pastry, enhancing every bite.
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Limoncello: This zesty Italian liqueur adds a burst of citrus that balances the sweetness and refreshes the palate, making it a delightful pairing.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce over the bites makes for an indulgent twist that will please chocolate lovers.
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Almond Biscotti: The crunchy, nutty flavor of biscotti beautifully complements these sweet treats, making each bite more satisfying.
For an unforgettable experience, consider serving these delightful Mini Cannoli Bites alongside a selection of your favorite gelato. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests!
Expert Tips for Mini Cannoli Bites
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Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; test with a small piece of dough—it should bubble and sizzle immediately for crispy shells.
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Avoid Overfilling: Fill the pastry shells moderately to prevent spills. Too much filling can cause a mess during serving and detracts from the bite-size experience.
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Cool Before Filling: Let pastry shells cool completely before adding the ricotta filling. This helps keep the crust crisp and prevents sogginess.
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Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix in citrus zest or nuts to the ricotta mixture for a delightful twist. This brings unique flavors to your Mini Cannoli Bites.
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Dust Before Serving: Wait until just before serving to dust with powdered sugar. This keeps the garnish looking fresh and appealing for your guests.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Cannoli Bites are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the pastry shells up to 24 hours in advance—just fry them, then let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. The ricotta filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—make sure to cover it well to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to assemble, simply fill the shells with the chilled filling, garnish with your choice of toppings, and enjoy these delightful treats just as delicious as if they were freshly made!
Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta cheese is best for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and creaminess, I recommend using whole milk ricotta. This type provides a rich texture that holds up well when mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla. If you prefer a lighter option, part-skim ricotta can also work, but it may result in a less creamy filling.
How should I store leftover Mini Cannoli Bites?
If you have any filled Mini Cannoli Bites left, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pastry shells may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Can I freeze the pastry shells?
Absolutely! To freeze unfilled pastry shells, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the fridge before filling, and they’ll be just as delicious!
What’s the best way to avoid soggy pastry shells?
To keep your pastry shells crispy, fill them just before serving. If you have leftover filled bites, consume them within 2 days and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Cooling the shells completely before filling also helps maintain their structure.
Are there any dietary considerations for these Mini Cannoli Bites?
These Mini Cannoli Bites usually contain dairy and gluten, so be mindful of allergies to wheat or lactose. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the pastry shells. Additionally, substituting a flax egg in place of a regular egg can cater to vegan diets.
Can I customize the flavor of the ricotta filling?
Very much! One of my favorite ways to jazz up the ricotta filling is by mixing in citrus zest, like lemon or orange, which adds a refreshing brightness. You can also incorporate a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla or a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolaty variation. The more the merrier!
Irresistible Mini Cannoli Bites Perfect for Any Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, softened butter, egg, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Knead until smooth for about 5 minutes.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a circular cutter or a knife to cut into small circles or rectangles, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Fry the Pastry Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the dough pieces, frying until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Mix well until it reaches a uniform texture.
- Assemble the Mini Cannoli Bites: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cooled pastry shell with the ricotta mixture. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage!
- Serve: Arrange the filled Mini Cannoli Bites on a serving platter. Garnish with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation before serving.