Cannoli Cookie Cups: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

Cannoli are a beloved Italian dessert known for their crispy shells and creamy filling. But what if you could take the rich, sweet, and creamy essence of a cannoli and turn it into a fun, bite-sized treat? Enter Cannoli Cookie Cups! This simple yet elegant recipe transforms the traditional cannoli into an easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Using refrigerated sugar cookie dough as the base, these cookie cups are filled with a decadent ricotta cheese mixture and topped with chocolate chips and pistachios for an extra pop of flavor and texture. These little cookies have all the familiar flavors of a cannoli, but with none of the fuss—making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just as a special after-dinner treat. They’re a fun, approachable way to enjoy a classic Italian dessert without needing to worry about deep-frying or complicated pastry work. The best part? They’re made in a mini muffin tin, making them perfectly portioned for easy snacking or serving to guests. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Cannoli Cookie Cups are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.

2. No Frying Required

Unlike traditional cannoli, which involve frying the shells, these cookie cups use store-bought sugar cookie dough, eliminating the need for complicated frying. You’ll still get that crispy texture but without any mess.

3. Delicious and Creamy Filling

The ricotta cheese filling, sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced with vanilla extract, gives you the classic creamy, tangy flavor of cannoli—rich and indulgent, but not overwhelmingly sweet.

4. Customizable Toppings

While this recipe calls for mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios, you can easily swap these for other toppings like crushed almonds, candied orange peel, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a treat on a cozy night in, these Cannoli Cookie Cups are perfect for any occasion. They’re small, portable, and can be served in a beautiful platter for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pistachios and top with additional chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers.
• Flavored Ricotta: Add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the ricotta mixture for a citrusy twist on the classic flavor profile.
• Add Fruit: Top the cookie cups with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Vegan Version: Replace the ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta or mascarpone alternative, and use a dairy-free cookie dough to make these treats completely vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cookie cups don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Cut the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 24 equal pieces. Press each piece into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form little cookie cups.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Cups

Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Step 4: Create Wells in the Cookie Cups

As soon as you remove the cookie cups from the oven, use a small shot glass to gently press down in the center of each cup, creating a well to hold the filling.

Step 5: Cool the Cookie Cups

Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin before attempting to remove them. This ensures they don’t crumble and keeps their shape intact.

Step 6: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir the mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture for added flavor and texture.

Step 8: Fill the Cookie Cups

Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooled cookie cups, filling them generously.

Step 9: Top with Pistachios

Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the filled cookie cups for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Once all of the cups are filled and topped, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and indulgent bite-sized treats.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure the cookie dough is evenly distributed in each muffin cup to get uniform cookie cups.
• For an extra golden-brown crust, lightly press the edges of the dough up the sides of each muffin cup before baking.
• If the cookie dough sticks to the shot glass when pressing down, coat it with a small amount of non-stick spray to make it easier to press.
• Make sure the ricotta mixture is smooth and free of lumps for the best texture in each bite.
• Feel free to use a pastry bag to fill the cookie cups more neatly if desired.

How to Serve

Cannoli Cookie Cups are best served chilled, so place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and become firm. Arrange them on a decorative platter for a stylish presentation. These cookie cups are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee, a sweet dessert wine, or a classic Italian espresso. They’re ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a formal dinner or a casual family get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cannoli Cookie Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling fresh and creamy, while the cookie cups remain soft yet slightly crispy on the edges.

Freezing

To freeze the cookie cups, assemble the dough and press it into the muffin tin, but don’t bake them. Wrap the muffin tin tightly in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, and then proceed with the ricotta filling.

Reheating

If you prefer to warm them slightly before serving, you can pop the cookie cups into the oven for 2-3 minutes at 300°F to soften them without losing their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer. Just ensure the dough is chilled and easy to press into the muffin tin.

2. Can I use mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone would provide a creamier texture and a slightly sweeter flavor, but it’s a great substitution.

3. How do I make the cookie cups crispier?

If you want a crisper cookie cup, bake them a bit longer until the edges are darker and more golden.

4. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

You can, but the cookies will be larger and will require more time to bake.

5. Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free alternatives for the ricotta and cookie dough to make these vegan-friendly.

6. Can I freeze these Cannoli Cookie Cups?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking or after assembling, as long as you store them properly in an airtight container.

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free cookie dough and ensure the ricotta cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.

8. How long will the filling last in the fridge?

The ricotta filling will last up to 3 days in the fridge. However, the cookie cups are best eaten fresh.

9. Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can swap pistachios for almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts.

10. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, fresh fruits such as berries or citrus zest can be added to the ricotta filling for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering all the rich and creamy flavors of a traditional cannoli, but in an easy-to-make, bite-sized form. With minimal effort, you can create an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chip and pistachio toppings or get creative with variations, these little cookie cups are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Make them for your next gathering, and watch them disappear!

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