I love making bite-sized desserts for holiday parties because they’re easy to pick up and impossible to eat just one. These cannoli bites are creamy, crunchy, and bright with orange zest—perfect for New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning a full spread, pair them with a festive drink like this festive punch recipe to keep guests coming back for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe
- They deliver the classic cannoli contrast—crisp shell and silky filling—in a single, party-friendly bite.
- Make-ahead friendly: you can prep filling several hours earlier to save time before guests arrive.
- Versatile flavor: swap citrus, chocolate, or nuts to match your theme or other dishes like a crunchy snack such as savory spiced sev for a sweet-savory balance.
- Crowd-pleaser for holidays and special occasions; these feel elegant without complicated technique.
Personal note: I enjoy making these because the filling can be adjusted on the fly—more orange zest for brightness, or a touch of mascarpone for extra silkiness.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook time: 0–5 minutes (optional to re-crisp shells)
Total time: 1 hour (including chilling)
Servings: about 24 mini cannoli bites
Difficulty: Easy — mostly assembly and chilling
Method: No-bake filling (ricotta/mascarpone), spooned or piped into pre-made mini shells or phyllo cups; optional brief oven step to refresh shells.
If you’re planning a holiday table with make-ahead sides, these pair well alongside heartier items like a sweet potato casserole for a balanced spread.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe using both store-bought mini cannoli shells and mini phyllo cups to compare texture and stability. The phyllo cups stayed crisp longer, while traditional shells tasted more authentic—both worked well when filled shortly before serving.
How to Make Delicious Cannoli Bites
Start by draining 15 oz whole-milk ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Whisk the drained ricotta with 8 oz mascarpone, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp orange zest until silky; fold in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Chill filling at least 30 minutes to firm up, then pipe into 24 mini shells using a 1/2-inch round tip or a small spoon. If shells taste stale, refresh them briefly at 300°F for 3–5 minutes before filling. Expect about 1–2 minutes per bite to fill once the filling is ready.
Expert Tips for Success
- Drain the ricotta well: place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and chill for 30–60 minutes to prevent a watery filling. This makes the texture creamy, not runny.
- Use a cold bowl and cold beaters when whipping the mascarpone and ricotta—cold dairy holds structure better.
- Pipe, don’t spoon, for a neat finish: use a disposable piping bag trimmed to a 1/2-inch opening for consistent mounds and minimal waste.
- Toast optional garnishes (chopped pistachios, coconut) in a 350°F pan for 3–4 minutes until fragrant to amplify flavor.
- Equipment note: a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon helps smooth ends and control overfilling; a fine microplane is ideal for zesting citrus.
How to Serve Delicious Cannoli Bites
- Present on a serving tray lined with parchment and sprinkle with extra powdered sugar just before guests arrive.
- Offer a small bowl of extra mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for guests to garnish their own bites.
- Pair with coffee, dessert wine, or a sparkling cocktail; they’re an elegant finale to New Year’s Eve. Also try serving alongside fresh crostini or a lighter appetizer like this burrata bruschetta for a varied platter.
- For a kid-friendly version, omit liqueur and stick to vanilla-orange flavoring.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store unfilled mini shells or phyllo cups at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them crisp. Refrigerate the ricotta-mascarpone filling in a sealed container for up to 3 days or freeze the filling (double-bagged) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip briefly before using. Assembled cannoli bites are best served within 12–24 hours; if you must store assembled bites, keep them in a single layer in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb moisture. To re-crisp shells before filling, heat them at 300°F for 3–5 minutes on a baking sheet; cool completely before filling.
For ideas on pairing desserts with warm savory dishes, consider a comforting pasta side like this creamy pumpkin Alfredo to round out your menu.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate-dipped: dip each end of the filled bite into melted dark chocolate and chill until set; this adds texture and a glossy finish.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free mini phyllo cups or make small shells from a rice flour-based pastry for a GF option.
- Dairy-free: replace ricotta and mascarpone with a thick coconut cream-based “ricotta” (use coconut yogurt strained) and vegan cream cheese; chill to firm.
- Citrus or spice twist: swap orange zest for lemon or add 1/2 tsp cinnamon for a warm note; fold in chopped candied orange for extra chew.
Nutritional Highlights
- Good source of calcium and some protein from ricotta and mascarpone, though these bites are relatively high in fat and sugar—best enjoyed in moderation.
- Allergen information: contains dairy; shells may contain gluten unless you use certified gluten-free cups; watch for nut garnishes if serving to guests with allergies.
- Portion guidance: aim for 1–2 bites per person as a treat when part of a larger dessert selection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy shells after filling: this usually happens if filling is too wet or shells sit too long. Drain ricotta well and fill just before serving.
- Runny filling: if filling is loose, chill it 30–60 minutes or fold in 1–2 tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar or a touch more mascarpone to thicken.
- Cracked shells when filling: pipe slowly and avoid forcing filling into tight spaces; use a smaller tip or spoon-fill gently to reduce pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the filling completely ahead of time?
A: Yes—store the filling in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-whip briefly before piping to restore a light texture, and always fill shells shortly before serving to keep them crisp.
Q: Are mini phyllo cups a good substitute for traditional cannoli shells?
A: Absolutely. Mini phyllo cups stay crisp longer and are easier to find in stores. They also tolerate a quick re-crisp at 300°F for 3–5 minutes if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from tasting grainy?
A: Use whole-milk ricotta and drain it thoroughly, then pass it through a fine-mesh sieve or press it through a cheesecloth if you notice grains. Cold mascarpone and gentle folding keep the texture silky.
Q: Can I add liqueur to the filling?
A: Yes—add 1–2 tablespoons of Marsala, espresso liqueur, or orange liqueur for a boozy note. Mix it in sparingly, then chill to ensure it doesn’t loosen the filling’s texture.
Conclusion
For an alternate handheld take or inspiration on flavor pairings, try the Easy Chocolate Chip-Orange Cannoli Cups recipe to see a similar idea with a delightful orange-chocolate twist.
Cannoli Bites
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious, bite-sized cannoli filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone mixture, perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 15 oz whole-milk ricotta
- 8 oz mascarpone
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 24 mini cannoli shells or phyllo cups
Instructions
- Drain the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl for at least 30 minutes.
- Whisk the drained ricotta with mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until silky.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into the mini cannoli shells or phyllo cups.
- If shells are stale, refresh them briefly at 300°F for 3–5 minutes.
Notes
Store unfilled shells at room temperature and the filling in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best served within 12–24 hours after filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg