If you’re searching for a dessert that’s charming, easy to serve, and absolutely dreamy, these Mini Cannoli Bites are just the treat to make your next gathering unforgettable. They’re everything you love about classic cannoli—crispy shells, luscious creamy filling, delightful chocolate chips—all delivered in a two-bite, no-fry package that’s perfect for your next party or cozy night-in. Ready in minutes and always met with smiles, Mini Cannoli Bites blend Italian flavor heritage with pure fun and convenience. Trust me: Once you make them, you’ll wonder why every dessert can’t be this effortlessly impressive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy here; just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients come together to make Mini Cannoli Bites shine. Each one brings something beautiful to the mix—whether it’s velvety creaminess, richness, or that signature snap!
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (1 cup, drained): The star of our filling—make sure it’s well-drained for that authentic cannoli texture.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds irresistible smoothness and helps stabilize the filling, so your bites hold their shape.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the filling without any graininess and blends seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and brings all the creamy notes together.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint to brighten the filling with subtle warmth—don’t skip it!
- Mini chocolate chips (1/3 cup): For a fun little crunch and bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Mini phyllo shells or mini tart shells (20–24): Pre-made for pure ease, these are your crispy base—no frying required.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty, just-sweet-enough finishing touch!
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional): For a pop of color and a nod to traditional cannoli.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the drained ricotta, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step! The smoother you get the filling now, the silkier your Mini Cannoli Bites will taste later.
Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula. This ensures delicate pockets of chocolate in every spoonful, without smashing the chips or over-mixing the filling.
Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Shells
Spoon or pipe your gorgeous filling into the mini phyllo shells. For a picture-perfect finish, a piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes it neat and quick!
Step 4: Chill to Firm Up
Place the filled shells on a platter and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest allows the filling to firm up nicely, so each bite holds together perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish Before Serving
Just before your guests arrive (or you sneak one for yourself), dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar and sprinkle a few chopped pistachios on each. These finishing touches make your Mini Cannoli Bites not only taste better, but look downright irresistible.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Bites
Garnishes
Dusting each bite with powdered sugar is classic, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle on some finely chopped pistachios or even a few extra mini chocolate chips for pizzazz. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a cherry on each shell is another way to add color and whimsy.
Side Dishes
Since Mini Cannoli Bites are rich and subtly sweet, they’re best enjoyed alongside a cup of strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino. For a summertime treat, serve them with fresh berries or slices of sweet stone fruit to brighten up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the Mini Cannoli Bites on a tiered serving tray or a rustic wooden platter for drama. For a festive twist, nestle them in mini cupcake liners or create a “cannoli bar” where guests can add their own toppings—crushed nuts, chocolate curls, or candied orange peel all work beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shells may soften a bit over time, but the flavors stay delicious for up to 2 days—though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
It’s best to freeze just the filling in a sealed container, up to one month in advance. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator, give it a quick stir, and fill fresh shells for that crispy bite Mini Cannoli Bites are known for.
Reheating
Since these are a no-bake treat, reheating isn’t necessary. If you’d like to crisp up the shells before filling, you can bake them for 2–3 minutes at 350°F, then let cool completely before assembly.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk?
Part-skim ricotta can work, but whole milk ricotta has a richer, creamier texture that really shines in Mini Cannoli Bites. If you use part-skim, make sure to drain it even more thoroughly for the best consistency.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just look for gluten-free mini shells or tart shells—many stores carry them now. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.
How early can I make the filling in advance?
The creamy filling can be prepared and chilled up to 24 hours ahead, which makes Mini Cannoli Bites a fuss-free dessert when you’re hosting. Fill the shells no more than an hour or two before serving to keep everything crisp.
What can I use instead of pistachios?
Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even toasted coconut are all tasty alternatives if you don’t have pistachios on hand. You can also leave the nuts out altogether—the bites will still disappear fast!
Do I need special equipment to pipe the filling?
Nope! While piping makes things neater, a simple spoon works well. If you want the look without buying a piping bag, just use a zip-top plastic bag with one corner snipped off for easy, mess-free filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that comes together in minutes and brings a taste of Italy to your table, you simply have to try Mini Cannoli Bites. They’re the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into a special occasion—so go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready for plenty of smiles!
Print
Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 20–24 mini bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Mini Cannoli Bites that offer all the flavors of classic cannoli in a convenient, bite-sized form. Creamy ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and mini chocolate chips fill mini phyllo shells for a perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
For Assembly:
- 20–24 mini phyllo shells or mini tart shells
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Spoon or pipe the filling into the mini phyllo shells.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up.
- Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the ricotta well to avoid a watery filling.
- You can make the filling a day ahead and fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
