Name: Cannoli Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish; 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 45 reviews

If you are craving a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert, this Cannoli Cups Recipe is sure to win your heart and your taste buds. Imagine bite-sized cups with a perfectly crisp, buttery shell loaded with rich mini chocolate chips, filled with a luscious, creamy ricotta and mascarpone blend that melts in your mouth. This recipe effortlessly combines familiar flavors into a charming and fun treat that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cannoli cups bring all the joy of cannoli without the hassle of rolling pastry tubes or frying. Let’s dive into how simple ingredients come together to create this irresistible dessert!

The image shows six small white bowls and one folded brown napkin on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl filled with smooth, light beige cream. Moving right, a white bowl contains white, crumbly cheese. Below, there is a white bowl filled with white salt crystals. To the left, a white bowl holds four dark brown square blocks. Another white bowl below contains a dark liquid. The last bowl, on the right, is filled with greenish-brown cardamom pods. The folded brown napkin lies flat on the left side of the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients, and this Cannoli Cups Recipe is no exception. These straightforward components each play an essential role, whether it’s the nutty warmth of browned butter, the velvety richness of mascarpone, or the sweet bite of mini chocolate chips that add texture and bursts of flavor in every cup.

Unsalted butter, browned: Adds a deep, nutty flavor and rich moisture to the cookie base.
Granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
Brown sugar: Gives a hint of caramel depth and chewiness to the cups.
Eggs, beaten: Bind the ingredients together, ensuring a tender yet sturdy shell.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, creating that perfect crispy cup.
Baking soda: Helps the cups rise just enough for lightness without losing shape.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
Mini chocolate chips: Folded into the dough and sprinkled on top, they add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Whole milk ricotta: Combines with mascarpone to make a creamy, slightly tangy filling.
Mascapone cheese: Brings smoothness and richness to the filling, making it luxuriously silky.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling softly without graininess.

How to Make Cannoli Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350° F and greasing a mini muffin tin thoroughly. The tiny muffin cups will serve as the molds for your cookie cups, so greasing them well ensures your cups come out easily without breaking.

Step 2: Brown Your Butter and Mix Sugars

Brown the unsalted butter until it turns a golden tan and smells nutty—this adds incredible depth to your cookies. Combine the browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture lightens in color; this step sets the base for a tender but full-flavored cup shell.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Separately, sift together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This keeps the dry ingredients evenly distributed and prevents lumps. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the wet batter, making sure not to overmix—the dough should come together while still holding a light texture.

Step 4: Add Mini Chocolate Chips

Fold in one cup of mini chocolate chips gently. These chips give the cookie dough bursts of chocolate throughout but won’t weigh down the batter or make the shells too dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Cups

Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each prepared mini muffin cup with dough, spreading it evenly. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Once out of the oven, use a slightly smaller scoop to press a well into each cookie, creating the perfect cavity for your creamy filling. Transfer the cups to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Filling

Whip together whole milk ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Fill a piping bag with the mixture and chill it until you are ready to assemble—this ensures your filling stays firm and easy to pipe.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cannoli Cups

Pipe the ricotta-mascarpone mixture generously into each cooled cookie cup. For the ultimate finishing touch, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and charm. Voilà! Your Cannoli Cups Recipe is ready to delight.

How to Serve Cannoli Cups Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a mixture being blended by a mixer with silver beaters and a light blue handle. Inside the bowl, there are three visible layers: a creamy pale yellow base, a mound of white powdered sugar on top, and a small patch of light brown liquid near the edge. The texture of the pale yellow layer looks soft and smooth, while the white powdered layer appears fine and fluffy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make these cannoli cups even more special, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and crunch. Fresh mint leaves also add a refreshing note and vibrant green contrast that catches the eye.

Side Dishes

These bite-sized treats are sweet enough on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a cup of rich espresso. The creamy, chocolate-studded cups complement coffee’s bold bitterness perfectly, turning snack time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cannoli cups into a stunning dessert platter by arranging them on a tiered stand alongside fresh berries and edible flowers. For parties, serve them in decorative cupcake wrappers or small mini serving spoons so guests can grab them effortlessly. They also make fabulous charming gifts when packaged in a clear box tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cannoli cups keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the cookie shells and filling separate if possible to maintain crispness, or assemble right before serving for the freshest experience.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie cups without the filling by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw completely at room temperature before filling to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm cookie cup, gently reheat the unfilled cups in a 300° F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the shells soggy. Always fill with the chilled ricotta mixture after warming for the best taste and texture contrast.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute part-skim ricotta, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the richness and creaminess of the filling. Whole milk ricotta tends to give the smoothest, most indulgent texture.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Cannoli Cups Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain structure.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

The filling can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before piping into the cups to bring back its creamy consistency.

What can I substitute for mascarpone if I can’t find it?

Cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream or sour cream can be a decent substitute. It won’t be exactly the same flavor but will still provide a smooth filling with a mild tang.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from cracking when baking?

Ensure you don’t overfill the mini muffin tins and avoid overbaking. Also, make the cavity while the cups are warm but not hot to prevent cracks when pressing in the well for the filling.

Final Thoughts

Making these delightful little treats with the Cannoli Cups Recipe brings all the fun and flavor of traditional cannoli into an easy, shareable form. They’re perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a bit of creamy, chocolatey bliss after a long day. I hope you enjoy making and indulging in every bite, and that these cups become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion!

Cannoli Cups Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need