Description
These Cannoli Bites are delightful mini desserts featuring crispy phyllo tart shells filled with a smooth, sweet ricotta mixture, accented with orange zest and vanilla. Topped with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, they offer an elegant and easy-to-make treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shells and Topping
- 24 frozen phyllo tart shells
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Ricotta Filling
- 1 (15-oz.) container whole-milk ricotta, drained
- 3/4 cup (85 g) confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Garnish
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Shells: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen phyllo tart shells evenly on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Brush each tart shell with the melted unsalted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each shell to add flavor and a slight crunch.
- Bake the Tart Shells: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tart shells until they turn a golden brown color, which typically takes about 8 minutes. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely to ensure they hold their shape when filled.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: While the shells are baking and cooling, combine the drained whole-milk ricotta, confectioners’ sugar, finely grated orange zest, and pure vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer this filling to a zip-top plastic bag for easy piping, seal it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to fill the shells.
- Fill the Tart Shells: Remove the cooled shells from the baking sheet and place them on a serving platter. Snip off a small corner of the plastic bag containing the ricotta filling to create a piping tip. Carefully pipe the sweet ricotta mixture into each phyllo tart shell, filling them generously.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Garnish the filled cannoli bites with mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios as desired for a festive look and added texture. Finally, dust the tops lightly with additional confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finishing touch before serving.
- Make Ahead Tip: The ricotta filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it refrigerated in the sealed plastic bag until you are ready to fill the tart shells and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the ricotta well to avoid a runny filling.
- Phyllo tart shells can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores.
- For a different flavor, try adding a splash of liqueur like amaretto or limoncello to the ricotta filling.
- Use a fine grater to zest the orange to get small, flavorful bits without rind.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain shell crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cannoli bites, mini cannoli, ricotta tartlets, Italian dessert, phyllo tart shells, easy cannoli recipe, party desserts
