If you love the creamy sweetness of traditional Italian cannoli but want a fun, bite-sized twist, this Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe is a total game-changer. Picture buttery, golden cookie cups filled with a dreamy ricotta mixture dotted with mini chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios—a delightful mash-up that’s as charming to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a special treat, these little cups bring that perfect balance of textures and flavors, making every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most magical desserts, and this Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender sugar cookie dough forming the perfect shell to the creamy ricotta filling flavored just right with vanilla and sweetness.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: The easy base that bakes into soft, golden cups perfect for holding the filling.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that’s the heart of the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta smoothly without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bites of chocolate that add surprise pockets of sweetness in every spoonful.
- Chopped pistachios: Provide crunch and a pop of color that makes these treats extra special.
How to Make Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray to ensure your cookie cups come out clean and intact. Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 equal rounds and gently press each piece into the muffin cups, shaping them up the sides to create a perfect little basket ready to hold that luscious filling.
Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookie cups for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This not only adds a beautiful color but also gives the perfect firmness to hold your filling without crumbling. Once baked, let them cool completely; this step is crucial to prevent your filling from melting or becoming too soft.
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
While the cookie cups cool, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until it’s silky smooth and beautifully combined. The vanilla enhances the flavor, while the powdered sugar sweetens the cheese enough to mimic the classic cannoli taste without overpowering it.
Step 4: Add Texture and Flavor
Fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios to the ricotta mixture. These add delightful texture contrasts—the chocolate chips melt slightly on the tongue, and the pistachios give a subtle nutty crunch that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Fill and Chill
Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooled cookie cup, filling them generously. Then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up just enough to hold its shape when served.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top right before serving or add a few extra pistachio pieces or mini chocolate chips for that festive look. You can also drizzle a tiny bit of melted chocolate on top for a stunning finish.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a rich espresso or a light dessert wine, enhancing the cannoli-inspired experience beautifully. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries also complements the creamy filling with natural brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe bites on a pretty platter lined with colorful doilies or scattered edible flowers to impress your guests. You can even set up a DIY dessert bar where everyone fills their own cups with different toppings and garnishes for a hands-on treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though they’re so good, you might not have any leftovers at all!
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie cups before filling them: bake and cool the cups, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw, then fill with the ricotta mixture freshly made. Avoid freezing the filled cups, as the texture of the filling may change once thawed.
Reheating
If you want your cookie cups warm, gently reheat the baked cups alone in a low oven for a few minutes before adding the chilled filling. Avoid microwaving filled cups to keep the filling’s texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough can be used and might add a lovely personal touch. Just make sure it’s chilled and easy to handle so you can shape the cups properly.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? Is there a substitute?
You can substitute mascarpone or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk or cream for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, though it will slightly change the traditional taste.
How long do these cookie cups need to chill?
Refrigerating the filled cups for at least 30 minutes allows the filling to firm up and flavors to meld perfectly, making them easier to handle and more enjoyable to eat.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough to make sure these treats fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Are these good for parties or just family snacks?
They are perfect for both! Their elegant look and delicious flavors make them a hit at parties, while their individual size means they’re great for casual family treats too.
Final Thoughts
This Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe is such a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with a fresh twist. Each bite offers a little surprise of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to something special, these cookie cups are definitely worth making. Grab your ingredients and dive in—you’ll love sharing this joyful dessert!
Print
Cannoli Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delightfully sweet and creamy Cannoli Cookie Cups combine the buttery goodness of baked sugar cookie dough with a luscious ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a special dessert that requires no frying yet captures the classic cannoli flavors in an easy, baked cookie cup form.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookie Dough: Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 equal pieces. Press each piece into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form cookie cups.
- Bake Cookie Cups: Bake the cookie-lined muffin tin for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding filling.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Mix-ins to Filling: Fold mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios gently into the ricotta mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Fill Cookie Cups: Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooled cookie cup, filling generously to the top.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set the filling and enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie cups are completely cooled before adding the ricotta filling to prevent melting.
- For a classic cannoli flair, consider dusting with additional powdered sugar before serving.
- You can substitute pistachios with finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- If you prefer, mini chocolate chips can be substituted with mini white chocolate chips or omitted for a nut-only filling.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
