Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Desserts like this are patient. In fact, the flavor often settles and deepens overnight. Store unfilled cups at room temperature and fill on the day of serving, or fill and refrigerate for one night.

What if my filling seems too loose?

If it is watery, the ricotta needs more straining. You can also chill the filling for 30 minutes to firm it up, or add a tablespoon more mascarpone to thicken gently.

Can I use frozen pie crust?

Yes. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature about 15 minutes before rolling so it becomes pliable.

Are these suitable for a crowd?

Very much so. One batch makes about 12 small cups. Double or triple the recipe and prepare shells in advance to save time when guests arrive.

How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soft?

Bake until fully golden and cool on a wire rack. If the pan traps steam, the bases can soften. For extra protection, brush the insides with a thin layer of melted chocolate and chill before filling.

Easy Cannoli Bites 2026

Name: Cannoli Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

Description

These delightful Cannoli Bites are small pastries filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, perfect for sharing and celebrating moments around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Unroll the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface and cut out 12 rounds using a 2 ½ inch cutter.
Place rounds in an ungreased mini muffin tin and press the dough to fit the pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool for 15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips until smooth.
Spoon filling into the cooled pie cups, adding toppings of mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

For crispier shells, cool the cups on a wire rack. Straining ricotta is essential for the right filling texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg