When a family gathering is on the horizon, I often find myself reminiscing about the irresistible treats that always steal the show. That’s when I decided to whip up these delightful Cannoli Bites, a charming take on the classic Italian dessert. Imagine biting into a crispy pastry shell that gives way to a creamy ricotta filling, perfectly sweetened and hinting at vanilla and spice. These bite-sized beauties aren’t just tasty—they’re a conversation starter, offering that satisfying crunch alongside rich, luscious flavors.
With their vibrant presentation, they’re not just a dessert; they’re the life of any party. Plus, the best part? These treats are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal time and effort while delivering maximum wow-factor. Whether you’re hosting friends for coffee or simply indulging in a sweet treat after a hectic day, these Cannoli Bites are sure to impress and satisfy every palate. Ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why are Cannoli Bites so irresistible?
Delightful Twist: These bite-sized Cannoli Bites reinvent the classic treat, making them perfect for gatherings or daily indulgence.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time, impressing your guests without stress.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The combination of crispy shells and creamy filling ensures everyone will reach for seconds!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re adding citrus zest or swapping in chocolate chips, you can tailor these treats to your taste.
Perfect Pairing: Serve them alongside a cup of coffee for an authentic Italian experience, and wow your guests with a complete dessert platter.
Cannoli Bites Ingredients
For the Pastry Shells
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the pastry shells; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness to the pastry; consider coconut sugar for a touch of caramel flavor.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice to the dough; skip if a neutral flavor is preferred.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the pastry.
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness; replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Large Egg Yolk – Binds the dough together; can use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
• White Wine (or Vinegar) – Moisture and flavor enhancer; try apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil – Used for frying; olive oil can be used but may alter the taste.
For the Creamy Filling
• Ricotta Cheese – Forms the base of the creamy filling; mascarpone can be swapped for a richer texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling; use Stevia for a keto-friendly option.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds delightful vanilla flavor; almond extract can offer a unique twist.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Optional for extra sweetness and texture; feel free to omit.
For Garnishing
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting) – Adds a beautiful finishing touch; cocoa powder can be a stunning alternative.
• Chopped Pistachios or Extra Chocolate Chips – Optional ingredients to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
These Cannoli Bites aren’t just a treat; they’re an invitation to enjoy the little joys in life. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cannoli Bites
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Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, blend in softened butter, large egg yolk, and white wine (or vinegar) until a smooth dough forms.
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Knead and Rest: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
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Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the rested dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough suitable for forming the pastry shells.
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Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key to achieving perfectly crispy shells.
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Shape the Shells: Carefully wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube or cone-shaped mold, sealing the edges with a little water to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
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Fry Shells: Fry the wrapped shells in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy to create the delectable filling.
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Add Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture for added sweetness and texture that’s sure to delight.
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Assemble Cannoli Bites: Once the fried shells are cool, gently remove them from the molds and fill them with the creamy ricotta mixture using a piping bag or a small spoon.
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Garnish and Serve: Dust the filled Cannoli Bites with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips, if desired. Serve these delightful treats immediately for the best experience.
Optional: Serve with a cup of espresso for an extra touch of Italian flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cannoli Bites are perfect for busy cooks who love to plan ahead! You can prepare the pastry shells up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crispiness. For the filling, mix the ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and any chocolate chips up to 24 hours ahead of serving; just be sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to use. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the cooled shells with the creamy mixture and dust with powdered sugar. This way, you’ll have delightful, restaurant-quality Cannoli Bites ready to impress without the last-minute rush!
What to Serve with Cannoli Bites?
Imagine a delightful spread that elevates your Cannoli Bites, making your dessert experience truly memorable.
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Espresso Coffee: The bold, rich flavors of espresso perfectly complement the creamy sweetness of Cannoli Bites, enhancing their indulgent profile.
A warm cup of espresso also adds that authentic Italian touch to your dessert table, inviting everyone to linger a little longer. -
Fresh Berries: A mix of juicy raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries provides a refreshing burst that balances the richness of the filling.
The natural sweetness and acidity of berries will brighten your dessert experience, creating a vibrant color contrast on the plate. -
Lemon Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert offers a zesty contrast to the creamy, sweet goodness of Cannoli Bites, cleansing the palate beautifully.
Serve it alongside your bites for a sophisticated touch that captures the essence of an Italian summer. -
Pistachio Gelato: Creamy pistachio gelato amplifies the nutty flavors often found in the toppings of Cannoli Bites.
Its smooth texture and subtle flavor harmonize perfectly with the cannoli, providing a delightful textural experience. -
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over your Cannoli Bites adds extra layers of sweetness and decadence.
This delightful pairing is sure to please chocolate lovers while enhancing the overall presentation of your dessert. -
Tiramisu: Layered coffee-flavored dessert that brings an impressive contrast to Cannoli Bites, with soft textures that match well.
Each bite of Tiramisu complements the crunchiness of Cannoli Bites, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. -
Italian Wine: A glass of sweet Italian dessert wine, like Vin Santo, elevates the experience by providing a light and crisp finish.
This pairing enriches your taste journey, allowing the dessert flavors to blossom beautifully on your palate. -
Honey Drizzle: A simple squeeze of honey enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely sheen to your Cannoli Bites.
The floral notes in honey will create an unexpected and delicious twist that delights the senses.
Storage Tips for Cannoli Bites
Room Temperature: Store unfilled Cannoli Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp texture.
Fridge: If filled, consume Cannoli Bites the same day for optimal freshness; filled pastries can last in the fridge for up to 1 day but may become soggy.
Freezer: You can freeze unfilled shells for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: For leftover shells, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy again, ideally before filling them with the ricotta mixture.
Cannoli Bites Variations
Feel free to mix things up and let your creativity shine with these delightful variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining crunchiness.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free ricotta or cashew cream for a completely dairy-free treat that everyone will enjoy.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the ricotta filling for a refreshing twist that awakens your taste buds.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in cocoa powder into the filling along with mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey indulgence that elevates every bite.
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Savory Spin: Experiment with a dash of chili flakes and a sprinkle of goat cheese in the filling for a daring savory twist.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor that gives a delightful crunch.
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Fruity Filling: Replace some ricotta with mascarpone and fold in fresh berries or fruit puree for a fruity burst in every bite.
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Coffee Infusion: Add a splash of espresso or coffee liqueur to the ricotta mixture for a rich, velvety coffee-flavored treat that’s perfect for adults.
Expert Tips for Cannoli Bites
• Temperature Matters: Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy Cannoli Bites; too cool oil will make them greasy.
• Dough Consistency: Knead the dough just until smooth, then let it rest; over-kneading can lead to tough pastry shells.
• Filling Perfection: Drain the ricotta thoroughly before mixing the filling to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a creamy, thick texture.
• Garnish Wisely: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the presentation beautiful; avoid doing it too early or it will dissolve.
• Shell Storage: Store fried shells in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but fill them right before serving for the best crunch and flavor.
Cannoli Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of Ricotta Cheese?
Absolutely! For the creamiest filling, look for Ricotta that is fresh and creamy with a smooth consistency. Avoid ricotta with excess liquid or graininess, as these can result in a soggy filling. I often check the expiry date and give it a sniff – it should smell fresh and light.
What’s the best way to store unfilled Cannoli Bites?
Very simply! Store unfilled Cannoli Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them nice and crispy. Avoid refrigerating them as that can lead to unwanted moisture and sogginess.
Can I freeze Cannoli Bites?
Indeed! To freeze unfilled Cannoli Bites, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
What should I do if my pastry shells aren’t crispy?
If your Cannoli Bites aren’t turning out crispy, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low. Make sure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this reduces the oil temperature and can lead to greasy shells. Fry them in small batches for the best results!
Are there any dietary considerations for Cannoli Bites?
Certainly! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, you can make these Cannoli Bites gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Always be mindful of ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Delicious Cannoli Bites: Crispy Treats for Every Sweet Tooth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Blend in softened butter, egg yolk, and white wine until a smooth dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll the rested dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into 3-inch circles for the pastry shells.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot.
- Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, sealing edges with water.
- Fry wrapped shells for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Once shells are cool, gently fill with ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with pistachios or extra chocolate chips before serving.