I absolutely adore these Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups – they’re my secret weapon for dinner parties when I want to impress without sweating in the kitchen all day. The genius is in using wonton wrappers instead of traditional cannoli shells, giving you that perfect crunch without the deep-fryer drama. The creamy, sweet ricotta filling hits all the right notes, and guests can never believe they’re homemade. Want to know my special trick for keeping them crispy right until serving time?
Why You’ll Love these Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups
These crispy mini cannoli cups are about to become your new favorite dessert hack. I’m talking about all the delicious flavors of traditional cannoli without the fuss of deep-frying or special equipment.
Just wonton wrappers transformed into golden, crunchy cups filled with creamy, sweet ricotta goodness.
What’s not to love? They’re perfectly portioned, making them ideal for parties where guests can grab and go. The contrast between the crisp shell and rich, velvety filling is absolutely divine.
Plus, they’re customizable—add pistachios, orange zest, or different extracts to make them your own. Can you imagine the looks on your friends’ faces when you bring these out?
Trust me, these little cups deliver big flavor with minimal effort—the best kind of recipe in my book.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups?
These mini cannoli cups bring all the classic Italian dessert flavors but with a clever shortcut that makes them so much easier to prepare than traditional rolled cannoli.
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Cooking spray
While these are the basic ingredients for a classic cannoli flavor profile, don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins like chopped pistachios, orange zest, or even a splash of Grand Marnier if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make these Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab that mini muffin tin from the back of your cabinet. Give the tin a light coating of cooking spray to prevent any sticking disasters later.
Step 2: Shape the Wonton Wrappers
Take those 24 wonton wrappers and gently press each one into the cups of your mini muffin tin. They’ll form these adorable little cups that might look a bit rustic—which is totally the charm.
Once positioned, give them a quick spritz with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color—not too pale (they’ll be soggy) and not too dark (nobody wants burnt cannoli).
The edges might curl slightly, creating the perfect little vessel for the filling.
Step 4: Cool the Cups Completely
Remove the baked wonton cups from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—hot cups plus cold filling equals soggy bottom syndrome.
Step 5: Prepare the Cannoli Filling
While the cups are cooling, mix 1 cup drained ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese in a bowl until smooth.
Add 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then stir until everything is beautifully combined and silky.
Step 6: Fill the Cannoli Cups
Once your wonton cups are completely cool, spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each cup.
Don’t overfill them—about 1-2 teaspoons per cup should do the trick, depending on how deep your muffin tin is.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips over the filled cups.
For that authentic cannoli look, dust the tops with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving. The contrast of the dark chips against the snow-white filling? Pure visual magic.
Step 8: Store Properly
If not serving immediately, store these little beauties in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Though honestly, they’re at their crispiest and most delicious when enjoyed within a few hours of assembly. The longer they sit, the more the moisture from the filling softens those crispy cups. For professional-quality results every time, consider investing in a premium baking set that includes precision piping tools and a quality mini muffin tin.
What to Serve with Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups
These delightful little bites work perfectly for dessert tables, brunch spreads, or afternoon coffee breaks.
Pair them with a frothy cappuccino or espresso to honor their Italian roots—the bitter coffee beautifully balances the sweet filling.
Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and tartness that cuts through the richness.
For a more substantial dessert spread, serve alongside biscotti or amaretti cookies.
And if you’re hosting a proper Italian-themed gathering, why not add a small glass of chilled limoncello?
The citrusy liqueur complements the creamy cannoli filling while cleansing the palate between bites.
These versatile treats shift seamlessly from casual snacking to elegant entertaining.
Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups Substitutions and Variations
• Lower Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of powdered sugar.
The cheeses provide natural sweetness anyway!
• Garnish Ideas: Try a light dusting of cocoa powder, crushed toasted hazelnuts, or edible gold flakes for special occasions when you want to feel fancy.
Leftovers and Storage for these Crispy Mini Cannoli Cups
Let’s be honest, these little cups rarely survive long enough to become leftovers!
But if you do manage to exercise some self-control, store filled cannoli cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wonton wrappers will gradually soften, though—it’s the inevitable cannoli conundrum.
For best results:
- Keep the shells and filling separate if planning ahead
- Fill shells just before serving to maintain that delightful crispness
- Bring refrigerated cups to room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating
Want to prep ahead? The unfilled baked cups can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The filling keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days too—just give it a quick stir before piping.
These treats definitely shine brightest when freshly assembled!
Final Thoughts
These Mini Cannoli Cups capture all the magic of traditional cannoli in a delightfully approachable package.
The contrast between crispy wonton shells and creamy, sweet filling creates that perfect texture balance we all crave in a dessert. What makes them truly special is how they transform a classic Italian pastry into something anyone can make at home, no special equipment required.
They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or any time you need an impressive dessert without hours of work.
The familiar flavors wrapped in this clever presentation never fail to bring smiles to the table. In a world of complicated recipes, sometimes the most memorable treats are the ones that look fancy but come together with surprising ease. Much like the popular Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, these cups combine simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Leave a Reply