Few desserts capture the charm and indulgence of Italian cuisine like the cannoli. With its crispy pastry shell and creamy ricotta filling, it’s a treat that feels both elegant and comforting. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a classic cannoli in a modern, portable, and easy-to-make format? Enter Cannoli Cookie Cups—a creative dessert that combines the buttery goodness of a cookie base with the rich, sweet creaminess of traditional cannoli filling.
These mini desserts are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a family treat at home. They’re bite-sized, beautiful to present, and wonderfully versatile. In this article, we’ll explore how to make cannoli cookie cups, nutritional details, creative presentation tips, and why they’re a dessert worth adding to your recipe collection.
What Are Cannoli Cookie Cups?
Cannoli cookie cups are made by baking cookie dough in a muffin tin to form cup-shaped shells, which are then filled with a creamy ricotta mixture reminiscent of classic cannoli filling. The result? A handheld dessert that’s crunchy on the outside, smooth and creamy on the inside, and customizable with toppings like chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, or candied orange peel.
Unlike traditional cannoli shells, which can be tricky to fry at home, cookie cups are simple to bake and still deliver the perfect contrast of textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie cups:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta, well-drained
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (optional for creaminess)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional toppings:
- Crushed pistachios
- Chocolate drizzle
- Candied orange peel
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Cups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
Scoop dough into the mini muffin tin, pressing gently in the center to create a shallow cup shape. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately after baking, use the back of a spoon to press the centers down again to maintain a cup shape. Cool completely before filling.
2. Make the Cannoli Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone (if using), powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
3. Assemble
Spoon or pipe the chilled filling into the cooled cookie cups. Garnish with pistachios, orange peel, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
These treats are indulgent but portion-controlled, making them a fun dessert option without overdoing it.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Party-Ready Platters: Arrange on a decorative tray, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with mint leaves for a professional touch.
- Personalized Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with crushed nuts, sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, and fruit so guests can customize their own.
- Mini Dessert Boards: Pair cannoli cookie cups with biscotti, fruit, and espresso for an Italian-inspired dessert spread.
- Gift-Worthy: Place in mini cupcake liners and package in a bakery box for a sweet homemade gift.
Variations and Flavor Twists
- Chocolate Lovers: Use double chocolate cookie dough for the cups.
- Nutty Delight: Swap some of the mini chocolate chips for chopped pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Fruit-Infused: Add finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries to the filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookie cups accessible for all.
- Holiday Flair: Add a splash of almond extract or nutmeg to the filling for festive occasions.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Ricotta Well: Excess moisture can make the filling runny. For best results, strain ricotta overnight in cheesecloth.
- Don’t Overbake Cookie Cups: Remove them when they’re golden and slightly soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Pipe for Precision: Using a piping bag gives a cleaner, bakery-style look compared to spooning the filling.
- Fill Before Serving: To avoid soggy cups, fill them close to serving time.
Why Cannoli Cookie Cups Are a Must-Try
Cannoli cookie cups are more than just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter. They capture the beloved flavors of cannoli in a format that’s approachable, easy to make, and fun to eat. Perfectly bite-sized, customizable, and beautiful to display, they bring a touch of Italian tradition with a modern twist.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or just indulging in a sweet craving at home, these little cups pack big flavor.
If you’ve ever wanted to make cannoli at home without the fuss of frying shells, Cannoli Cookie Cups are your answer. With a crisp cookie base, creamy ricotta filling, and endless possibilities for toppings, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Bake a batch today, share them with family and friends, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every delightful bite.