Cannoli Cookie Cups

Introduction

As a lover of Italian desserts, I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy the traditional flavors I adore. When I first made these Cannoli Cookie Cups, I was immediately in love. These bite-sized treats take all the classic components of a cannoli—crispy shell, creamy filling, and chocolatey goodness—and transform them into a fun, easy-to-serve dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. My family devoured them in minutes, and I’m sure they will be a hit in your home too. The cookie cups are soft and buttery, while the filling is rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. What’s even better is that they’re completely customizable—whether you want to garnish them with mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even some fresh fruit, these little cups are versatile and endlessly delicious. If you’re looking for a treat that’s both elegant and easy to make, these Cannoli Cookie Cups are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Cups:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cannoli Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Cups

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure the cookie cups don’t stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that soft, tender texture in your cookie cups.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls and place them into the prepared mini muffin tin. Once all the dough is placed in the tin, gently press down each ball to form a small well in the center.
6. Bake the cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to gently press down the centers of each cookie to maintain the cup shape. Let the cookie cups cool completely in the tin before removing them.

Step 2: Prepare the Cannoli Filling

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Once the filling is well-combined, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This adds a nice touch of chocolate without overwhelming the creamy filling.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and chill.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookie Cups

1. Once the cookie cups have cooled completely and the filling has chilled, it’s time to assemble your Cannoli Cookie Cups. Spoon or pipe the chilled cannoli filling into each cookie cup. Using a piping bag with a star tip can give your cookie cups a decorative touch that will impress guests.
2. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, and sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, if desired, for extra flavor and texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately or store the Cannoli Cookie Cups in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. They’re best served chilled, and the cookie cups will hold up well in the fridge for a day or two.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 24 cookie cups
• Calories per serving: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve

• Serve the Cannoli Cookie Cups as an elegant dessert for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or special occasions.
• Pair with a glass of sweet wine or espresso for an indulgent Italian treat.
• Garnish with a few fresh berries, mint leaves, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique touch.
• Place them on a dessert platter to make an impressive presentation for guests.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Filling: Chilling the cannoli filling allows it to firm up, making it easier to pipe or spoon into the cookie cups without it getting too messy.
2. Customize the Garnish: Feel free to use different toppings like chopped almonds, candied orange peel, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate to personalize your Cannoli Cookie Cups.
3. Use Well-Drained Ricotta: Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid any excess moisture that could make the filling too runny.
4. Bake in Batches: If you don’t have a large mini muffin tin, bake the cookie cups in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Slightly Underbake the Cups: The cookie cups will firm up more as they cool, so slightly underbaking them ensures they won’t get too hard.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cannoli Cookie Cups: Add a bit of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist on this classic dessert.
• Vegan Cannoli Cookie Cups: Use dairy-free ricotta and mascarpone alternatives, and replace the egg with a flax egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Fruit-Filled Cannoli Cups: Top your cannoli filling with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a refreshing change.
• Mini Cannoli Cookie Cups: Instead of making larger cups, you can make mini versions of the cookie cups for bite-sized treats. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee, espresso, or dessert wine for a delightful dessert experience.
• Pair with other Italian desserts like tiramisu or biscotti for a complete Italian-inspired dessert table.
• Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These Cannoli Cookie Cups can be frozen! Store them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookie cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They will remain fresh and delicious.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought cannoli filling?
Yes, you can use pre-made cannoli filling if you’re short on time, though homemade filling offers a richer taste.

2. How can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the cookie cups gluten-free.

3. Can I make the cookie cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie cups a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with the cannoli filling just before serving.

4. Can I use regular mascarpone instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, you can use regular mascarpone for a richer, creamier filling.

5. Can I make these cookie cups larger?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Larger cups may need an additional 3-5 minutes of baking time.

6. Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a similar texture, but it will have a slightly tangier flavor.

7. How do I make the cookie cups crispier?
If you prefer crispier cookie cups, bake them a little longer, but be careful not to overbake.

8. Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, you can add chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

9. How do I keep the cannoli cups from getting soggy?
Make sure the ricotta cheese is well-drained, and refrigerate the filled cookie cups until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

10. Can I add flavored extracts to the filling?
Yes, you can

experiment with different extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to give the filling a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

These Cannoli Cookie Cups are an easy-to-make, elegant dessert that brings the classic Italian cannoli flavor into a fun, bite-sized treat. With their buttery cookie shell, rich cannoli filling, and delicious garnishes, they are the perfect way to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just looking for a new dessert idea, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become a go-to dessert in your home as they have in mine.

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