It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and if you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that screams indulgence yet whispers “I’m totally manageable,” look no further than mini cannoli bites. Picture this: a crispy shell that crumbles delightfully in your mouth, filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture that dances on your taste buds. Oh, the glorious tension between crunch and creaminess! You can almost hear it calling your name, right? For more inspiration, check out this cheeseburger bombs recipe recipe.
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with these little delights. I was at an Italian festival, surrounded by colorful stalls and the aroma of fried dough wafting through the air. Italian dessert-inspired cookies As I took my first bite of a mini cannoli, time stopped. delicious edible cookie dough The world faded away; it was just me and that heavenly dessert. Trust me; you’ll want to recreate this moment at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini cannoli bites are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any gathering
- Their delightful flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Visually stunning with their delicate shells and creamy filling, they are sure to impress your guests
- Enjoy them as a versatile dessert or a fun snack anytime
I once brought these mini cannoli bites to a potluck, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than my New Year’s resolutions.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mini Cannoli Shells: You can buy these pre-made or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous—just ensure they’re crisp!
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling that adds richness to each bite.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener helps achieve that perfect creamy texture while balancing the ricotta’s slight tang.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile beautifully—don’t skimp on quality here.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are great for adding melty pockets of sweetness; feel free to use dark or semi-sweet!
Pistachios (optional): Chopped pistachios not only add flavor but also provide a lovely crunch and color contrast.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. easy garlic sauce recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools: mixing bowls, spatula, piping bag (or zip-lock), and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Create the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and stir until fully combined. This should smell heavenly!
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Once your filling is smooth like silk, gently fold in chocolate chips using a spatula—this is where magic happens!
Fill the Shells: Transfer the filling into your piping bag (or zip-lock) with one corner snipped off. Carefully fill each cannoli shell until they reach just the brim—no overfilling here!
Add Toppings (Optional): For an extra flair, dip the ends of each filled cannoli into chopped pistachios or additional chocolate chips. They’ll look so pretty!
Chill Before Serving: Place filled mini cannoli bites on your prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps set everything together nicely.
Now you’ve got yourself some tantalizing mini cannoli bites ready for any occasion! Whether it’s game night or just a Tuesday evening treat, these little wonders will deliver smiles all around.
So there you have it! Mini cannoli bites that not only taste like heaven but also bring friends and families together over laughter and good times. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- Mini Cannoli Bites are delightful and portable treats that pack a punch of flavor
- The creamy filling and crispy shell create a perfect balance
- Make them smaller for easy snacking, but don’t forget to savor each bite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cannoli shells first, frying them until golden brown. While they cool, whip up the filling for a smooth blend, then pipe it into the shells for a delightful crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Mini Cannoli Bites with flavored ricotta or chocolate chips. chocolate-filled coconut cookie balls You can even dip them in chocolate or roll in crushed pistachios for extra fun.
Storing & Reheating
Store filled mini cannoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, fill them just before serving to keep the shells crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that perfect crunch, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overfilling the cannoli to prevent messy overflow
- Experiment with various fillings like fruit preserves to elevate your bites
Cooking these Mini Cannoli Bites always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly lined up for their favorite dessert.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought shells for Mini Cannoli Bites?
Absolutely! Store-bought shells save time and still taste great when filled.
What’s the best way to fill Mini Cannoli Bites?
Using a piping bag makes filling mini cannoli quick and mess-free.
How do I prevent my filling from being too runny?
Ensure your ricotta is well-drained and mix in powdered sugar for thickness.

Mini Cannoli Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 mini cannoli bites 1x
Description
Mini Cannoli Bites are the perfect indulgent treat that balances crispy shells with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling. Ideal for gatherings or a personal snack, these bite-sized delights will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can recreate the magic of an Italian festival right in your kitchen. Get ready to delight everyone with these delicious mini desserts that offer the perfect crunch and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 mini cannoli shells
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools: mixing bowls, spatula, piping bag (or zip-lock), and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Transfer the filling into a piping bag (or zip-lock) with one corner snipped off. Fill each cannoli shell until just brimmed.
- For added flair, dip ends into chopped pistachios or additional chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate filled mini cannoli bites for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg