Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the crispness of pastry with the rich flavors of a classic cannoli filling. These mini cannoli cups are perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of Italian sweetness to your dessert table. Easy to assemble and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pie Crusts:
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (usually contains 2 crusts)
Filling:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (for topping)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield
48 mini cannoli cups
To create these scrumptious mini cannoli cups, begin by preheating your oven and preparing the pastry. Roll out the pie crusts and use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Gently press each round into ungreased mini muffin cups, re-rolling the dough as necessary until you have enough rounds. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown, allowing them to cool before removing from the pans.
While the pastry cups cool, whip together the filling ingredients until creamy. Transfer the filling to a resealable bag and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. When it’s time to present your delightful treat, pipe the filling into each pastry cup, top with chocolate chips or pistachios, and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cut Out Pastry Rounds
Using a 2½-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out circles from the pastry dough. Carefully place each round into ungreased mini muffin cups. If you do not have enough circles, re-roll the remaining dough and cut out additional rounds until you achieve a total of 48 circles.
Bake the Crusts
Preheat your oven and bake the pastry cups for 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow the cannoli cups to cool in the pans for approximately 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
While the pastry cups are cooling, create the filling by beating all the filling ingredients together using an electric mixer set to medium speed in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Once ready, spoon the filling into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
Pipe the Filling
Just before serving the cannoli cups, take the filling out of the refrigerator. Cut a small corner of the zip-top bag and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into each cooled pastry cup.
Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the filled cups with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar. Serve the cannoli cups immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
Re-Rolling Dough
If you need to re-roll your pie crusts, try to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its texture.
Cooling Time
Make sure the pastry cups are completely cooled before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.
Chilling the Filling
Chilling the filling helps to firm it up, making it easier to pipe into the cups.
Serving Suggestions
For variations, consider different toppings like toasted coconut or fresh fruit alongside the chocolate chips or pistachios.
Cook techniques
Cutting Pastry Rounds
Use a 2½-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter to cut out circles from the pie crust. Ensure even pressure for clean edges.
Pressing Pastry Into Muffin Cups
Gently press each pastry round into ungreased mini muffin cups, shaping it to fit the contours of the cup.
Baking Pastry Cups
Bake the pastry cups for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Cooling Pastry Cups
Allow the baked cups to cool completely in the pans for approximately 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Preparing the Filling
Beat the filling ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Piping Filling into Cups
Transfer the filling into a 1-gallon zip-top resealable bag, seal it, and refrigerate until ready to use. Snip one corner of the bag and pipe approximately 1 tablespoon into each cooled pastry cup.
Garnishing Pastry Cups
Sprinkle the filled cups with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used to save time.
How long can I store the filled cannoli cups?
It is best to serve the filled cups immediately, but you can store them in the refrigerator for a short time; the pastry may become soggy.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
You can use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or any preferred toppings for flavor variation.
How can I ensure my pastry cups stay crispy?
Make sure the cups cool completely before adding the filling to help maintain their texture.
Conclusion
The cannoli cups, with their delightful crispiness and creamy filling, present a perfect blend of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile, making them an excellent choice for any gathering or celebration. Enjoying them fresh ensures that the pastry remains flaky, while the sweet and creamy filling tantalizes the taste buds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Hazelnut Filling
Swap the traditional filling for a rich chocolate hazelnut spread, topped with crushed hazelnuts for a decadent twist.
Fruit and Cream Cheese Filling
Combine cream cheese with your favorite fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, to create a fresh and fruity filling.
Espresso and Mascarpone Cream
Blend mascarpone cheese with coffee liqueur and finely brewed espresso for a rich, coffee-flavored filling.
Pumpkin Spice Filling
Mix canned pumpkin with cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat that captures the essence of fall.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Filling
Create a nostalgic flavor by blending creamy peanut butter with a touch of sweet jelly, bringing a classic sandwich into dessert form.
