Cannoli Cookie Cups

Cannoli Cookie Cups are a fun and innovative twist on the traditional Italian cannoli. This dessert combines the rich, creamy filling of a cannoli with the delightful crunch of a cookie, resulting in a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these Cannoli Cookie Cups are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Cannoli Cookie Cups

For the Cookie Cups:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cannoli Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Zest of one orange (optional)

Instructions for Making Cannoli Cookie Cups

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Cups

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough into each cavity of the mini muffin tin.
2. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the dough down, creating a cup shape.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
4. Remove the cookie cups from the oven and gently press the centers down with a small spoon to maintain the cup shape.
5. Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the tin before removing them.

Step 3: Make the Cannoli Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar.
2. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest, if using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Cookie Cups

1. Once the cookie cups are completely cooled, fill each cup with the cannoli filling using a piping bag or spoon.
2. For an extra touch, garnish with additional mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookie Cups

• Draining the Ricotta: Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well to avoid a runny filling. You can do this by placing the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and letting it sit for a few hours.
• Make Ahead: The cookie cups and filling can be made ahead of time. Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature and the filling in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
• Flavor Variations: Customize your Cannoli Cookie Cups by adding chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, or by drizzling melted chocolate over the top.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cookie Cups are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, offering the best of both worlds in every bite. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cannoli filling and crunchy cookie cup!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cannoli Cookie Cups

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: Arrange the Cannoli Cookie Cups on a decorative platter or tiered stand for an elegant presentation. Garnish with extra mini chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance their appearance.
2. Serving Temperature: These cookie cups can be served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate the filled cookie cups for about 30 minutes before serving to firm up the filling.
3. Portion Control: Since Cannoli Cookie Cups are bite-sized, they’re perfect for parties and gatherings. Offer them alongside other desserts for a sweet treat option that’s easy to enjoy.
4. Accompaniments: Pair these cookie cups with a hot beverage like coffee or espresso, or a sweet dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.

Storage Tips

1. Storing Filled Cookie Cups: Cannoli Cookie Cups should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator if they are already filled with the cannoli filling. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents the filling from becoming too soft.
2. Storing Unfilled Cookie Cups: If you have leftover or extra unfilled cookie cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them crisp and ready to be filled when needed.
3. Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the unfilled cookie cups. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To use, thaw at room temperature and fill as desired. Note that the filled cookie cups are not recommended for freezing as the filling may affect the texture of the cookie.
4. Freshness Tips: To keep the cookie cups fresh and crispy, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Instead, layer them with parchment paper between the layers if you need to store multiple layers in one container.

With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cannoli Cookie Cups stay delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you have a craving or need a delightful treat for your guests.

1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough if you prefer a quicker option. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to the package instructions, and follow the same steps for forming and baking the cookie cups. Homemade dough tends to offer a fresher taste and better control over ingredients, but store-bought is a convenient alternative.

2. How can I prevent the cookie cups from becoming soggy after filling?

To prevent the cookie cups from becoming soggy, ensure that the ricotta cheese is well-drained before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can also chill the filled cookie cups for a bit before serving, which helps the filling set and keeps the cookie cups crisp. If storing for later, keep the filling separate from the cookie cups until just before serving.

3. Can I make Cannoli Cookie Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cannoli Cookie Cups ahead of time. Bake and cool the cookie cups, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the cannoli filling separately and keep it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cookie cups with the filling just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

4. What can I do if I don’t have mascarpone cheese for the filling?

If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream cheese. While the flavor may be slightly different, cream cheese provides a similar creamy texture and works well with the ricotta cheese in the filling. For a touch of richness, you might also add a bit of heavy cream to the mixture.