If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert, you are going to love this Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe. These little gems bring together the crisp, golden crunch of baked wonton wrappers with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips. They are bite-sized, easy to make, and wonderfully irresistible, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sweet moment. This recipe captures all the joy of traditional cannoli without the fuss of frying, making it a total game-changer in the dessert world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a vital role – from creating the crisp cannoli shells to the luscious filling that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Wonton wrappers: These thin wrappers crisp up beautifully in the oven, offering the perfect crunchy base for the filling.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the wonton cups brown to a golden perfection.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on the shells before baking, it caramelizes slightly for a subtle, sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
- Ricotta cheese: The star of the filling, drained well to keep it creamy and smooth without being watery.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta just right, creating that classic cannoli flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely, fragrant note to the ricotta filling.
- Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate that add delightful texture and flavor in every bite.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and a nutty crunch.
How to Make Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cannoli cups
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a mini muffin tin or spray it with cooking spray to ensure the wonton cups don’t stick. Using a cookie cutter or a round glass, cut your wonton wrappers into circles just the right size to fit into your muffin tin cups. Gently press each circle into the cups, forming a tiny cup shape ready to hold that delicious filling.
Step 2: Crisp the shells
Now, brush the tops of your wonton cups with melted butter, then sprinkle them with a blend of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step will give the cups a beautifully caramelized finish with an inviting aroma. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until you see the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, allow these edible little cups to cool completely right in the muffin tin before removing them carefully.
Step 3: Make the ricotta filling
While your wonton cups cool down, it’s time to whip up the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine your drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until it’s silky smooth and perfectly sweetened. The final touch to this luscious filling is folding in the mini chocolate chips, which give every scoop a surprise burst of chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Fill the cups
With the shells cool and crisp, spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into each wonton cup. Don’t be shy—generosity here means each bite will be a delicious blend of crunchy shell and creamy filling. Filling them neatly also makes your mini cannoli cups look stunning and ready for the next step.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top off each filled cannoli cup with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips and some chopped pistachios if you like a bit of color and texture contrast. These little beauties are now ready to be served, offering a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness packed in each bite.
How to Serve Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these mini cannoli cups allows you to add personality to the dessert. Fresh mint leaves, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate their look and taste. Don’t underestimate the power of a few colorful chopped pistachios, which add that irresistible crunch and vibrant green pop.
Side Dishes
These Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe shine spectacularly as standalone treats, but pairing them with fresh berries or a small scoop of espresso gelato can turn your dessert platter into a sensational experience. Light, fruity sides help balance the richness of the ricotta filling, creating a well-rounded indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is where you can have a lot of fun! Arrange them on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or serve each cup in mini cupcake liners for a festive touch. For parties, consider displaying them on a tiered dessert stand or nestle them among edible flowers for a truly stunning presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cannoli cups and ricotta filling separately in airtight containers. Keeping the shells and filling apart is key to maintaining that crispness of the cups. When ready to serve, just fill the cups fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the filled cannoli cups don’t freeze well due to the moisture in the ricotta filling, the baked wonton cups can be frozen for up to a month if kept in a sealed container. When needed, thaw them at room temperature and fill them just before serving for quick dessert prep any day of the week.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm cannoli cups, gently reheat the empty wonton shells in a low oven for a few minutes until crisp again. Avoid reheating filled cups, as this will soften the shells and alter the creamy filling texture. Always fill the cups fresh after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cannoli shells instead of wonton wrappers?
You absolutely can, but the charm of this Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in the crispy, delicate wonton shell that’s easy to shape and bake without frying. Regular cannoli shells bring a different texture and may not provide the same fresh, light crunch.
How do I prevent the ricotta filling from being watery?
Draining your ricotta well is crucial. Place it in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to remove excess liquid. This ensures your filling is thick and creamy without sogginess.
Can I make these cups vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the ricotta for a plant-based ricotta or a blended tofu mixture, and use dairy-free butter alternatives on the shells. Adjust the sweetness and flavorings accordingly for a delicious vegan twist on this recipe.
What’s the best way to make the filling look neat when adding it to the cups?
Using a piping bag with a round tip or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off gives you much better control and creates a prettier presentation. Otherwise, a small spoon works fine for a more rustic look.
Are pistachios necessary for garnish?
Not at all! Pistachios add a lovely crunch and color contrast, but you can skip them or substitute with chopped almonds, toasted coconut, or leave the cups garnished simply with chocolate chips. It’s all about what you enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love. The crispiness of those golden wonton cups paired with the smooth, sweet ricotta filling dotted with melty chocolate chips is pure magic. Whether for a casual dessert, a festive gathering, or a satisfying snack, these mini cannoli cups are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moves in the kitchen. Give this recipe a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Mini Wonton Cannoli Cups with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Cannoli Cups are delightful bite-sized treats featuring crispy baked wonton shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta and chocolate chip filling. These easy-to-make cups bring the classic flavors of cannoli into a fun and convenient mini dessert perfect for parties, snacks, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Wonton Cups
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ricotta Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cannoli cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush a mini muffin tin with melted butter or coat it with cooking spray. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut the wonton wrappers into circles and gently press each into the muffin tin wells to form small cup shapes.
- Crisp the shells: Brush the tops of the wonton wrappers with more melted butter. Sprinkle them evenly with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to enhance flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges become golden and crispy. Allow the cups to cool completely while still in the muffin tin.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Fill the cups: After the wonton cups have cooled, spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into each cup generously, ensuring they are nicely filled and visually appealing.
- Garnish: Top each filled mini cannoli cup with additional mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve these mini cannoli cups immediately for the best crisp texture and creamy filling. They make a perfect bite-sized dessert or sweet snack for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
- Use a light hand with the butter on the wonton wrappers to keep them crisp.
- These cups are best enjoyed the day they are made for optimal crispness.
- You can substitute pistachios with chopped almonds or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
