Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe. These little bites pack all the creamy goodness of a classic Italian cannoli into a fun, flaky mini cup. I can’t wait to share this recipe — it’s been a favorite crowd-pleaser at my family gatherings and always sneaks its way into my weeknight dessert rotation!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe plays a key role in balancing creaminess with crunch and sweetness. Plus, these components are easy to find, so shopping won’t feel like a chore.

• Premade pie crust: Using a store-bought crust saves a TON of time and gives a buttery, flaky base that holds the filling perfectly.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Straining the ricotta ensures the filling isn’t watery and gives a thick, creamy texture.
• Mascarpone cheese: Adds richness and smoothness; it’s like ricotta’s creamy partner in crime for that luscious filling.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cheeses beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling delicately without graininess.
• Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate throughout, plus a little for garnish—because chocolate makes everything better, right?

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe can be. You can easily shift flavors or tailor the texture depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand. It’s your dessert — make it your own!

• Citrus zest addition: I sometimes add a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the ricotta mixture—it brightens up the richness nicely.
• Swap chocolate chips: Feel free to try mini white chocolate chips or even chopped pistachios for something different yet just as tasty.
• Dairy-free option: You could experiment with vegan cream cheese and dairy-free ricotta alternatives for a plant-based spin.
• Sweetener swap: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the powdered sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the crust rounds

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll your pie crust on a lightly floured surface, which prevents sticking and makes cutting easier. Grab a 2 ½ inch round cutter — if you don’t have one, a sturdy cup or glass rim works great too. While I cut my rounds, I’ll brush off any excess flour to keep the crust clean and ready to shape.

Step 2: Press into mini muffin tin

Place each dough circle snugly into an ungreased mini muffin pan. Use your fingers to gently press the dough up the sides into a cup shape. The goal is to create a tiny pastry shell that will hold your filling without cracking. Don’t stress if the edges aren’t perfect — rustic charm is part of the fun.

Step 3: Bake until golden

Bake the shells for about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them after 8 minutes so they don’t get too dark. You want a light golden color with crisp edges. Once done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes — this stops the baking so they won’t overcook and lets them firm up nicely.

Step 4: Mix the ricotta filling

While the crust cools, combine strained whole milk ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. I strain my ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for about 30 minutes beforehand to ditch excess moisture — it makes ALL the difference in texture. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently so they stay evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill and garnish

Spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into the cooled pastry cups. If you want that professional look, transfer the filling into a zip-lock bag, cut one corner or use a pastry bag with a star tip — piping gives a lovely, neat finish! Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top and a dusting of powdered sugar for that final irresistible touch.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simplicity, so I usually top these bites with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few extra mini chocolate chips for texture and charm. If I’m feeling fancy or serving guests, I might dust cocoa powder or add a pinch of crushed pistachios — it adds a lovely color contrast and a pleasant crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a sweet ending, so I often pair it with something light and fresh like a citrusy salad or freshly brewed espresso. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a cup of hot tea for a cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these bites on a pretty platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers — it instantly elevates their look. You can even serve them in little paper cupcake liners to make it easier for guests to grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the filled cannoli bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 2 days because the crust can start to soften due to the moisture of the ricotta filling.

Freezing

I haven’t found freezing pre-filled cannoli bites works well because the crust loses its crispness. However, you can freeze the baked shells by themselves, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, then fill them after thawing. The filling should remain refrigerated, not frozen for best texture.

Reheating

Since you want to keep that crispness, I recommend reheating empty shells in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before filling. For filled bites, just enjoy them chilled, or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to bring out flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bites Recipe is one of those gems I love having in my back pocket when I want something quick yet impressive. It’s simple, approachable, and tastes way fancier than it looks. If you give it a whirl, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again — and your friends will definitely be asking for seconds. So grab a mini muffin tin, whip up that luscious ricotta filling, and enjoy a little bite of Italy right at home!

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