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Cannoli Bites
The first time I made Cannoli Bites, I was filled with excitement and nostalgia. Growing up, my family often indulged in the rich tradition of Italian desserts, and cannoli stood out as a family favorite. The creamy filling, often adorned with chocolate chips, brought joy to special occasions and casual gatherings alike. I wanted to recreate that magic in a more bite-sized form, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in.
These Cannoli Bites have become my go-to dessert for gatherings. Their playful size and delightful flavors bring smiles all around. As I experiment with different toppings and fillings, I still believe that the classic version, with its blend of ricotta and mascarpone, shines the brightest. The satisfaction of crafting these delicious little bites is unparalleled, and the reactions when you serve them make the effort worthwhile.
Eager to grab attention at any event, Cannoli Bites are always a hit. They reflect a blend of tradition and fun—a combination that resonates with every sweet-toothed guest. The creamy, sweet filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp pie crust, creating a satisfying treat for everyone.
Cannoli Bites: Fundamentals
Creating your Cannoli Bites begins with understanding the basics. These delightful treats use a simple premade pie crust, making the recipe accessible and quick. The real stars of the show are the creamy fillings that blend together to create the beloved ricotta and mascarpone mixture.
Making Cannoli Bites involves minimal steps, but the results are impressive. The combination of whole milk ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese provides a rich and fluffy texture, while the powdered sugar adds the necessary sweetness. Mini chocolate chips add a touch of decadence that everyone loves.
Preparation/setup
Preparation starts with gathering your tools. You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a round cutter to shape the dough. Preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the pie crust will become perfectly golden.
Begin by unrolling your pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Use a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter to create your dough rounds. Positioning the rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin can be done easily; just press them down with your fingers to ensure a snug fit.
Ingredients
To make these Cannoli Bites, you will require the following ingredients:
- 1 premade pie crust
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (strained)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Unroll the room-temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board.
- Use a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, round cookie cutter, or cup to cut out 12 rounds of pie crust.
- Place the rounds in an ungreased mini muffin tin and press the dough to fit the pan.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the pie cups are a light golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until completely combined.
- Spoon the ricotta filling into the pie cups.
- Optionally, transfer the filling into a zip-lock or pastry bag for a decorative finish, and squeeze it into the pie cups.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar.
Cannoli Bites: Technique
The technique for making Cannoli Bites lies in balancing the crispy crust with creamy filling. The goal is to ensure that each bite offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Start with the pie crust. If it’s too thick, the bites won’t cook evenly and might result in a chewy texture. Thin cuts lead to a beautifully crisp exterior. Watch them closely in the oven to catch that golden-brown perfection which signifies readiness.
Tips/tricks
To elevate your Cannoli Bites, consider these tips:
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Keep it chilled: Strained ricotta can be creamed in advance, allowing flavors to meld. Same goes for the mascarpone; keeping them chilled before mixing enhances the freshness.
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Decorate creatively: Use a pastry tip to create swirls while filling the pie cups. This not only looks impressive but also allows for even filling distribution.
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Extra flavoring: Feel free to experiment with flavors beyond vanilla. A splash of almond extract or a hint of orange zest can create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Cannoli Bites: Perfecting results
Perfecting your Cannoli Bites requires attention to detail. Waiting until the pie crust cools for about 15 minutes ensures that it firms up; this allows for better handling during the filling process. When assembling the bites, leave a little space at the top for decorations.
Troubleshooting/variations
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but that’s okay!
If your pie crust falls apart, ensure it has been properly chilled before placing it in the muffin tin. When selecting ingredients, always go for high-quality ricotta cheese as it deeply impacts the flavor.
If you want to try something different, consider using flavored chocolate chips like dark or white chocolate. Feel free to adjust sugar levels in the filling according to your taste.
Cannoli Bites: Serving/presentation
Serving Cannoli Bites can be both fun and creative. Arrange them neatly on a platter, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Incorporating fresh berries or mint leaves can liven up the presentation, bringing color to your dessert table.
Pairings/storage
While you can’t pair these bites with wine, enjoy them with coffee or tea for a delightful contrast. Cannoli Bites remain fresh when stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to prepare in advance, prep the filling and crust separately. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Cannoli Bites represent the joy of combining tradition with a modern twist, making them a winning dessert choice for any occasion.
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Cannoli Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized Cannoli filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone mixture, perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 premade pie crust
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (strained)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unroll the room-temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface.
- Use a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter to cut out 12 rounds of pie crust.
- Place the rounds in an ungreased mini muffin tin and press the dough to fit the pan.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the pie cups are a light golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until completely combined.
- Spoon the ricotta filling into the pie cups.
- Optionally, transfer the filling into a zip-lock or pastry bag for a decorative finish.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, cool the pie crust thoroughly before adding the filling. Experiment with different flavorings for a twist.
