Mini Cannoli Bites are a delightful treat that everyone in the family will love. They’re small, crispy shells filled with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for parties or a simple dessert at home, these bites are easy to make and oh-so-sweet. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty snacks in no time!

Why You Will Love This Mini Cannoli Bites

This dessert is not just delicious but also super easy to prepare. You won’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s quick to make and fun for the whole family to enjoy together. Plus, the kids will love filling the shells. These mini treats are perfect for any occasion, making them a go-to recipe for busy moms.

How to Make Mini Cannoli Bites

Creating these delightful bites is straightforward. Simply mix your filling ingredients, pipe into crisp shells, and garnish. There’s no baking involved, making it a simple and mess-free dessert. You’ll end up with a lovely treat without spending hours in the kitchen!

What You Need

1 package mini cannoli shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Step-by-Step

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Using a piping bag, fill each mini cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture.
Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

How to Serve Mini Cannoli Bites

These lovely bites can be served at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a simple sweet ending to a family dinner. They go well with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee. For a special touch, you can add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top.

How to Store Mini Cannoli Bites

To keep your leftover bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within a couple of days. Just be aware that the shells may soften slightly if filled too far in advance. You can also make the filling ahead of time and fill the shells right before serving for the best crispiness.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor.
Don’t overfill the shells, or they may break.
Try adding orange zest for a citrusy twist.
If you don’t have mini shells, use regular-sized and adjust the filling amount.
Be gentle when piping the filling to avoid breaking the shells.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips to keep them whole.
Dust with cocoa just before serving to keep it fresh.
If you have leftovers, store the filling separately from the shells.

Variations & Swaps

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cannoli shells.
Swap out mini chocolate chips for dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
For a festive touch, add crushed peppermint candies on top during the holidays.
Make a simple vanilla version by omitting chocolate chips and using vanilla bean instead.
Add different nuts, like chopped almonds or hazelnuts, for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the shells shortly before serving to keep them crisp.

Can I freeze my cannoli bites?
It’s best to avoid freezing filled cannoli, as the shells may become soggy. You can freeze the filling and then fill the shells fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How can I reheat leftover cannoli?
These bites are best enjoyed cold, but if you’d like them a bit warm, you can place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Mascarpone cheese is a great alternative for a richer flavor. You can also use a blend of cream cheese and yogurt as a lighter option.

What’s a good way to prevent shells from getting soggy?
Fill the shells just before serving. The longer the filling sits in the shells, the more moisture they absorb, making them soggy. Consider storing the filling and shells separately until you’re ready to eat.