These Mini Cannoli Bites are a delightful, bite-sized twist on the classic Sicilian dessert. Featuring a crispy shell filled with a creamy ricotta-based filling and dotted with mini chocolate chips, they offer all the flavors of traditional cannoli in a convenient and fun-to-eat form. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a quick sweet treat, these mini desserts are as delicious as they are adorable!
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
25 minutes
- Cooking time:
5 minutes (for the shells)
- Chilling time:
1 hour
- Total time:
1 hour 30 minutes
- Number of servings:
24 mini bites
- Serving size:
1 bite
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 bite):
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
For the shells:
- 12 wonton wrappers (cut into circles, about 60mm
diameter)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (15g)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (15g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
For the filling:
- 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 100g (1/2 cup) mascarpone cheese
- 60g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 60g (1/4 cup) mini chocolate chips
For garnish:
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
- 30g (2 tbsp) crushed pistachios (optional)
- Extra mini chocolate chips for sprinkling
Method of Preparation:
Prepare the mini shells:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Using a cookie cutter, cut 12 wonton wrappers into small circles, approximately 60mm in diameter.
- Brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
- Place the wonton circles in a mini muffin tin, pressing them down to create small cups. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool completely.
Make the cannoli filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing
them evenly throughout the filling.
- Cover the filling and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
Assemble the mini cannoli bites:
- Once the shells have cooled and the filling has chilled, fill a piping bag with the ricotta mixture. Pipe the filling into each mini shell, filling them generously.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, extra mini chocolate chips, and crushed pistachios (if using) for an added crunch.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving. If storing longer, wait to fill the shells until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Culinary Tips for Success:
- Drain the ricotta thoroughly: For a thick, creamy filling, make sure to drain the
ricotta well by placing it in a fine sieve or cheesecloth for at least 1
hour.
- Bake the shells carefully: Keep a close eye on the wonton wrappers as they bake.
They brown quickly, so remove them as soon as they turn golden and crisp.
- Chill the filling:
Chilling the filling is crucial for a firm, pipeable texture. The flavors
also meld beautifully during the chilling time.
- Fill just before serving: To keep the shells crispy, wait to fill them until
you’re ready to serve.
- Add flavor variations:
Mix in chopped candied fruit or swap out the orange zest for lemon zest
for a citrusy twist on the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these mini cannoli bites ahead of time? You can prepare the shells and filling separately in
advance, but it’s best to assemble them right before serving to keep the
shells crispy.
- What if I don’t have mascarpone? You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a
similar creamy texture, though it will have a slightly tangier flavor.
- Can I fry the shells instead of baking them? Yes! If you prefer a more traditional fried texture,
you can fry the wonton wrappers in oil until crispy, then drain on paper
towels.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the filling and shells separately. The filling
can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and
the baked shells can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days in an
airtight container.
- Can I use a different filling flavor? Absolutely! You can add cocoa powder to the filling
for a chocolate variation or mix in Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
These Mini Cannoli Bites offer all
the flavors of traditional cannoli in a fun, bite-sized package. With their
crispy, sweet shells and creamy, chocolate-studded filling, they are the
perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to
impress, these little bites will quickly become a crowd favorite!