Mini Cannoli Bites

These Mini Cannoli Bites are everything you love about a traditional cannoli—creamy, sweet ricotta filling with hints of vanilla and chocolate—reimagined in a crisp, golden sugar cookie cup. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or a casual weeknight dessert craving.

They’re cute, customizable, and crowd-pleasing! Dust them with powdered sugar, sprinkle crushed pistachios, or load them with chocolate chips. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these handheld treats deliver all the flavor of a classic Italian pastry with none of the mess.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz)

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• Crushed pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a mini muffin tin. Slice the sugar cookie dough into 24 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.

3. Press each ball into the mini muffin cups to form small cookie cups.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely before removing from the pan.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.

7. Pipe or spoon the filling into each cooled cookie cup.

8. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, and crushed pistachios if desired.

9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 24 mini bites

A Sweet Italian Classic, Reinvented

Cannoli have long held a place of honor in the world of Italian desserts. Known for their crisp pastry shells and creamy ricotta filling, traditional cannoli are indulgent, flavorful, and steeped in cultural heritage. But in today’s fast-paced world, many home bakers and dessert lovers are seeking easier, less time-consuming ways to enjoy the same flavors without the hassle of deep-frying or specialty tools. Enter Mini Cannoli Bites: a modern, bite-sized twist on the classic that brings all the rich taste of cannoli with far less effort.

These little cookie cups are a genius adaptation that trades the traditional tube-shaped shell for a crisp sugar cookie base, eliminating the need for a pastry mold or oil. They’re easy to assemble, don’t require special kitchen equipment, and are perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for quick wins in the kitchen.

Why Mini Cannoli Bites Are So Popular

One of the main reasons these mini treats are taking over dessert tables is their balance of simplicity and sophistication. They offer the nostalgic, old-world taste of cannoli while fitting neatly into the expectations of modern entertaining—portable, shareable, and visually appealing.

They’re ideal for:

• Holiday gatherings

• Baby showers and bridal showers

• Birthday parties

• Potlucks and office events

• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks

• Any occasion where finger food is preferred

Not only do Mini Cannoli Bites taste amazing, but they also look stunning when plated or displayed on a dessert stand. The contrast between the golden cookie cup, creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling, and colorful toppings like pistachios or mini chocolate chips creates a dessert that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The concept of turning the beloved cannoli into a mini dessert came from the desire to replicate the same flavor profile without the mess or difficulty. Traditional cannoli require rolling, deep-frying, and careful handling of fragile shells. With Mini Cannoli Bites, all of that effort is swapped for an easy sugar cookie base, molded right into a mini muffin pan. This clever adaptation provides the structure needed to hold the filling while adding a sweet, buttery crunch that complements the creamy interior perfectly.

This version also skips the heavy frying oil and introduces mascarpone, giving the filling a richer texture with just a hint of tang. It’s a thoughtful update to the classic that modern bakers will appreciate.

A Dessert That’s Easy to Customize

One of the most attractive features of Mini Cannoli Bites is how easily they can be tailored to suit personal preferences or dietary needs. From swapping out the cookie base to tweaking the filling, the possibilities are nearly endless:

• For a different crust flavor: Use chocolate chip cookie dough, shortbread dough, or even graham cracker crusts.

• For a different filling twist: Add citrus zest (like orange or lemon), mix in Nutella, or use flavored extracts such as almond or hazelnut.

• For a decorative touch: Garnish with shaved chocolate, fruit compote, candied orange peel, or edible flowers.

• For special diets: Use gluten-free cookie dough or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.

These tweaks make it easy to cater to various palates and dietary restrictions while maintaining the essence of the classic cannoli flavor.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Preparation

Mini Cannoli Bites are also a dream when it comes to make-ahead planning. You can prepare the cookie cups a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. The filling, made with ricotta and mascarpone, can also be made ahead and refrigerated. Just be sure to fill the cups shortly before serving to keep the cookie shells crisp and fresh.

This flexibility is ideal for hosts who want to minimize day-of prep and focus more on presentation and enjoying their guests.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

To elevate the Mini Cannoli Bites experience, consider pairing them with complementary beverages or serving alongside other Italian-inspired sweets for a full dessert spread. Here are a few ideas:

• Beverages: Serve with espresso, cappuccino, or sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato.

• Dessert platters: Arrange with biscotti, tiramisu squares, or panna cotta shooters for an Italian dessert sampler.

• Toppings bar: Set up a DIY garnish station where guests can top their bites with chocolate, nuts, or fruit.

Presentation goes a long way. Plating them on elegant serving trays, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh mint or fruit, turns them into gourmet-level desserts perfect for Instagram-worthy spreads.

Fun for All Ages

Kids love bite-sized desserts, and Mini Cannoli Bites are no exception. The cookie cup is familiar and friendly, and the filling can be adjusted to be a bit sweeter to appeal to young palates. You can even let kids decorate their own bites with sprinkles, mini candies, or fruit bits—making dessert time a hands-on, fun experience.

Adults, meanwhile, appreciate the elegant yet comforting flavor. With the subtle sweetness of ricotta and the texture of mascarpone blended with chocolate chips or nuts, it strikes the perfect balance of indulgent and refined.

Storage and Shelf Life

For best results, fill the cookie cups shortly before serving to prevent sogginess. However, if you must store leftovers:

• Keep filled bites in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days.

• Keep the cookie shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Avoid freezing filled bites, as the texture of ricotta may become grainy after thawing.

If you anticipate leftovers or plan to transport them, storing the filling and shells separately and assembling on-site is the best approach.

Tips for First-Time Bakers

If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—this recipe is extremely forgiving. Here are a few helpful pointers to ensure success:

• Let the cookie cups cool completely before removing them from the muffin tin to prevent breaking.

• Make sure to drain your ricotta well if it’s watery—this ensures a thicker, creamier filling.

• Use a piping bag or Ziploc with the corner snipped off for clean, pretty filling.

• Chill the filled cups for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

It’s not just the flavor that will win you over—it’s the convenience, elegance, and sheer charm of these Mini Cannoli Bites. Whether you’re baking for a party, a casual weeknight treat, or a holiday celebration, they tick every box: fast, fun, fancy-looking, and endlessly delicious.

Plus, they make you look like a dessert pro even if you’re short on time or kitchen skills.

Conclusion: A Little Bite with Big Impact

Mini Cannoli Bites are more than just a quick dessert idea—they’re a celebration of flavor, creativity, and modern baking ease. They pay homage to the timeless Italian classic while adding an innovative spin that meets the needs of today’s busy home cooks.

Perfect for any event, adaptable to countless variations, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, this dessert is one you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s proof that with a little imagination and the right recipe, you don’t need a bakery to enjoy gourmet-quality sweets right at home.