Cannoli Cookie Cups: A Simple, Creamy Dessert Everyone Will Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini cups offer all the flavor of traditional cannoli—with the crunch of cookie, the tang of ricotta-mascarpone, and the sweetness of mini chocolate chips—without the hassle of frying. They’re fast to bake, fun to assemble, and endlessly customizable for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie cups

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

For the cannoli filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese, well drained

• ½ cup mascarpone cheese

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Optional garnish

• Powdered sugar

• Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Cream together the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.

3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; blend into the wet ingredients to form soft dough.

4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and press each into the muffin tin wells to form cups. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Immediately press centers again to maintain the cup shape. Let cool completely in the tin before removing.

5. Stir together ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth, then fold in mini chocolate chips. Chill for 30 minutes to set.

6. Fill the cooled cookie cups with the chilled filling using a spoon or piping bag. Dust with powdered sugar and adorn with extra mini chips or pistachios as desired.

Servings and timing

• Yields approximately 18 cookie cups

• Prep time: about 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling for the filling

• Bake time: 10–12 minutes

• Total time: around 50 minutes, plus cooling

Variations

• Add orange zest or almond extract to the filling for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.

• Mix in chopped dried fruit, crushed wafer cookies, or sprinkles for added texture.

• Swap mascarpone for cream cheese for a tangier bite.

• Try different garnishes—drizzle melted chocolate, top with chopped nuts, or lightly dust cinnamon sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If baking ahead, you can freeze the cookie cups (without filling), then thaw and fill just before serving to preserve their crispness.

FAQs

1. What if my ricotta is too watery?

Drain it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer in the fridge for an hour or so—dry ricotta ensures a stable, creamy filling.

2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes! Especially if pressed for time, pre-made dough works well and still delivers tasty cups.

3. Can I freeze the cookie cups?

Absolutely. Freeze plain cookie cups, then thaw and fill before serving for fresh flavor. Avoid freezing filled cups to prevent sogginess.

4. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, cream cheese works too—offering a tangier profile to the filling.

5. How do I keep the cup shape after baking?

Press the centers immediately after baking and again after removing from the oven to ensure the dough retains a cup shape.

6. Do I have to chill the filling?

Chilling helps it firm up, making them easier to fill and ensuring it holds its shape—but you can skip or shorten chill time in a pinch.

7. How do I make them ahead?

Bake the cookie cups in advance and fill just before serving or thawing for the best texture.

8. Can I flavor the filling?

Yes! Try adding citrus zest, a splash of liqueur, or flavor extracts like orange or almond for a twist.

9. How long do cookies stay fresh?

Filled cups last up to 4 days refrigerated. Store plain cups longer, and freeze for extended freshness.

10. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—simply substitute gluten-free 1:1 flour for regular flour.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cookie Cups are an accessible, charming dessert that deliver bakery-level flair with minimal effort. With their customizable filling and comforting crunch, they’re the perfect choice for holidays, parties, or sweet moments any day. Tweak them to suit your taste—and enjoy every creamy, chocolate-dotted bite!

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