Imagine it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon when the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills every corner of your kitchen while sunlight streams through the window, creating the perfect backdrop for something truly special. These Cannoli Cookie Cups were born from one of those magical baking moments when I wanted to capture all the elegant flavors of traditional Sicilian cannoli but in a form that was more approachable for home bakers and perfect for sharing at gatherings. After experimenting with different cookie bases and filling combinations, I discovered that the secret wasn’t just recreating cannoli flavors—it was creating something entirely new that honored the original while being even more delightful to eat. The result is a bite-sized masterpiece that combines buttery, tender cookie cups with lusciously creamy ricotta filling, delivering all the satisfaction of traditional cannoli in a format that’s both elegant and irresistibly fun.
Why You’ll Love These Cannoli Cookie Cups
- Elegant simplicity perfected – All the flavors of traditional cannoli without the frying or specialty equipment
- Make-ahead entertaining solution – Cookie cups and filling can be prepared separately for stress-free hosting
- Perfect for any occasion – Equally at home at formal dinner parties and casual family gatherings
- Customizable creativity – Add your own twists with different extracts, nuts, or chocolate varieties
- Instagram-worthy presentation – Beautiful, bite-sized treats that photograph as well as they taste
- Nostalgic with modern appeal – Classic Italian flavors in a contemporary, shareable format
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Cups:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates tender, buttery base
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds depth and slight chewiness
- 1 large egg, room temperature – Binds ingredients and adds richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – Foundation for perfect texture
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Creates slight lift and tenderness
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
For the Cannoli Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained – The authentic cannoli base
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese – Adds luxurious creaminess
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens without grittiness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Classic cannoli flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Traditional warm spice
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips – Essential cannoli element
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting – Beautiful finishing touch
- Extra mini chocolate chips – Visual appeal and texture
- Chopped pistachios (optional) – Traditional garnish with wonderful color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Cups:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray—this will be the mold for your perfect cookie cups.
Step 2: Cream the Base In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Form the Cups Scoop portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Press each ball into a mini muffin cup, using your thumb or the bottom of a small measuring cup to create wells with raised edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cannoli Filling:
Step 7: Drain the Ricotta Ensure ricotta is very well-drained by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes. Excess moisture will make the filling runny.
Step 8: Create the Filling In a medium bowl, combine drained ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 9: Season and Sweeten Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until completely smooth. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips for that authentic cannoli touch.
Assemble:
Step 10: Fill the Cups Once cookie cups are completely cool, spoon or pipe the cannoli filling into each cup. A piping bag with a star tip creates beautiful, professional-looking swirls.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve Dust with powdered sugar and top with extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for color and texture. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Complete the Italian Experience Transform these treats into an elegant dessert spread:
- Strong espresso or cappuccino – Classic Italian pairing that complements the sweet richness
- Fresh berries – Adds color and tartness that balances the creamy filling
- Dessert wine or limoncello – For sophisticated adult gatherings
- Elegant platter presentation – Arrange on tiered stands for beautiful visual impact
Occasion Ideas These versatile treats work perfectly for holiday dessert spreads, birthday parties, bridal showers, Sunday brunches, or Italian-themed dinner nights.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for Planning These cookie cups are incredibly make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining:
Component Preparation Bake cookie cups up to 3 days ahead and store in airtight containers at room temperature. Prepare filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly Timeline Fill the cups no more than 4 hours before serving to maintain the best texture. The cookie cups will gradually soften if filled too far in advance.
Chilling Strategy If filling seems too soft, chill for 30 minutes before piping for easier handling and better presentation.
Storage and Leftovers
Keeping Them Fresh Unfilled cookie cups stay fresh in airtight containers for up to 3 days at room temperature. Cannoli filling keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when properly covered.
Assembled Storage Once filled, store in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
Quality Maintenance The contrast between crisp cookie and creamy filling is best when served fresh, though they remain delicious even after the cookies soften slightly.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Orange Cannoli Version Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to both cookie dough and filling for bright citrus notes.
2. Chocolate Lovers Replace some flour with cocoa powder in the cookie cups and add extra chocolate chips to the filling.
3. Almond Twist Substitute ½ teaspoon almond extract for vanilla in both components for sophisticated flavor.
4. Pistachio Paradise Fold finely chopped pistachios into both cookie dough and filling for authentic Sicilian flavor.
5. Holiday Spice Add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice to the filling for warm, festive flavors.
Nutrition Information
Per cookie cup (based on 24 servings):
- Calories: ~125
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10g
Cannoli Cookie Cups FAQs
Why is draining the ricotta so important? Excess moisture in ricotta creates runny filling that won’t hold its shape. Well-drained ricotta ensures the perfect creamy but stable consistency.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Absolutely! Mini chips work best for easy eating, but you can use regular chips, white chocolate, or even chopped dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
What if my cookie cups spread too much during baking? Make sure your dough isn’t too warm and that you’re pressing it firmly into the muffin cups. Chilling the formed cups for 15 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from being too sweet or too bland? Taste the filling before assembly and adjust powdered sugar and vanilla to your preference. The slight saltiness of good ricotta should balance the sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
These Cannoli Cookie Cups prove that some of the best recipes come from taking beloved classics and reimagining them in new, accessible ways. They capture all the elegance and satisfaction of traditional cannoli while making the experience more convenient, shareable, and fun for modern entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, these little gems deliver authentic Italian flavors wrapped in contemporary charm. Get ready for impressed guests, satisfied smiles, and requests for the recipe—because once people experience these perfect bite-sized treats, they’ll want to recreate the magic in their own kitchens!
