Cannoli Cookie Cups: A Sweet Twist on an Italian Classic

Cannoli Cookie Cups are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional Italian cannoli. By combining the rich, creamy filling of a classic cannoli with a sweet sugar cookie crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and offer all the flavors of the beloved dessert in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, Cannoli Cookie Cups are sure to be a hit. With their creamy ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips, and crunchy pistachios, these little cups provide a delightful burst of flavor and texture in every bite. These cookies are not only a fun way to serve a beloved dessert, but also a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Let’s explore why this recipe is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in just 45 minutes. With refrigerated cookie dough and a few other ingredients, you can have a batch of these delicious treats ready in no time.

2. Delicious Cannoli Flavor

If you love cannoli, you’ll adore these cookie cups! The ricotta cheese filling combined with vanilla extract and powdered sugar brings the classic cannoli flavors into every bite.

3. Fun, Bite-Sized Treats

These cannoli cookie cups are perfectly portioned and easy to eat, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or just satisfying your sweet cravings in a more controlled way.

4. A Perfect Combination of Textures

With the soft, chewy sugar cookie crust and the creamy ricotta filling, these cookie cups deliver the perfect contrast in textures. The addition of mini chocolate chips and pistachios adds a delightful crunch.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Add more chocolate chips, sprinkle on some cinnamon, or substitute the pistachios for another nut to make the recipe your own.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Cups:

• 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough

For the Cannoli 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

Variations

Chocolate Cannoli Cookie Cups

For a chocolatey twist, use chocolate chip cookie dough instead of sugar cookie dough. The combination of chocolate cookie crust with the creamy ricotta filling is a decadent treat.

Nut-Free Cannoli Cups

If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pistachios and opt for a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top for added flavor and texture.

Fruit-Filled Cannoli Cookie Cups

For a fresh take, top the ricotta filling with some fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and sweetness.

How to Make Cannoli Cookie Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cookie cups from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Cups

Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 equal pieces. Press each piece of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup in the prepared tin.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Cups

Bake the cookie dough in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the muffin tin.

Step 4: Make the Cannoli Filling

While the cookie cups cool, prepare the cannoli filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Pistachios

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios to the ricotta mixture. This adds both flavor and texture to the creamy filling.

Step 6: Fill the Cookie Cups

Once the cookie cups have cooled, spoon the ricotta mixture into each cup. Be generous with the filling, ensuring each cup is filled to the top.

Step 7: Refrigerate Before Serving

Place the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tips for Making Cannoli Cookie Cups

• Chill the Cookie Cups: Make sure to let the cookie cups cool completely before filling them. If they’re too warm, the filling may melt and not hold its shape.
• Use Whole-Milk Ricotta: For the best flavor and creaminess, use whole-milk ricotta cheese in the filling.
• Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overfill the cookie cups. Leave a little room at the top so the filling doesn’t spill over.
• Make Ahead: These cookie cups can be made a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Cannoli Cookie Cups are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings. Serve them chilled as a delightful dessert or snack. You can also drizzle them with a little honey or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. For an added touch, serve them alongside a cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cannoli Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This ensures the cookie cups stay fresh and the filling remains creamy.

Freezing

Although these treats are best served fresh, you can freeze the unfilled cookie cups for up to 1 month. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookie cups and then fill them with the cannoli filling.

Reheating

Reheat the cookie cups at room temperature or chill them again before serving for a cool and refreshing dessert.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough works great for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the size of each dough ball to fit the mini muffin tin.

2. What other nuts can I use instead of pistachios?

You can substitute pistachios with other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, depending on your preference.

3. Can I use mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone cheese is a delicious alternative to ricotta and will give your filling a smoother, richer texture.

4. How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Be sure to generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. If necessary, use a buttered muffin tin for extra assurance.

5. Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor or substitute them with mini dried fruit pieces.

6. Can I make a large batch of cookie cups?

Absolutely! If you want to make more, simply double or triple the ingredients, and bake in batches if needed. Just make sure to adjust the baking time based on the number of cookie cups.

7. How long do these cookie cups need to chill?

Refrigerate the filled cookie cups for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

8. Can I freeze the filling?

It’s not recommended to freeze the ricotta filling, as the texture may change. However, the unbaked cookie cups can be frozen for later use.

9. Can I add flavored extracts to the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or citrus, to add a unique twist to the flavor.

10. Are these cannoli cups gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free cookie dough, these cannoli cookie cups can be made gluten-free. Just make sure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cookie Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that brings the flavors of traditional cannoli into a fun, bite-sized form. With their rich ricotta filling, crunchy pistachios, and sweet sugar cookie crust, these little cups are sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are both delicious and customizable, allowing you to make them your own. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, Cannoli Cookie Cups are a must-try for anyone who loves Italian desserts with a twist!

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