Imagine it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air as sunlight streams through the kitchen window. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, preparing dessert for a family dinner, or simply indulging in a little weekend baking therapy, these Cannoli Cookie Cups are the perfect sweet surprise to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Inspired by the classic Sicilian cannoli—a beloved dessert known for its crisp pastry shell and creamy, sweet ricotta filling—this recipe offers a modern, bite-sized twist that’s both easier to make and just as satisfying. No need for deep frying or specialty equipment—these cookie cups are baked in a standard mini muffin tin and filled with a luscious cannoli-inspired cream. The result? An elegant, handheld dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Why You’ll Love These Cannoli Cookie Cups
These Cannoli Cookie Cups are more than just cute; they’re a delicious fusion of texture and flavor. The buttery cookie base adds a chewy, slightly crisp bite that perfectly complements the smooth, rich cannoli filling. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios on top, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat that’s ready to impress.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your dessert rotation:
- Easy to make at home – No cannoli shells or frying needed.
- Make-ahead friendly – The cookie cups and filling can be prepped in advance.
- Perfect for entertaining – Ideal for potlucks, parties, and holidays.
- Customizable – Add your own twist with orange zest, crushed nuts, or flavored extracts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather all the ingredients for both the cookie cups and the filling.
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cannoli Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained (very important for texture!)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cookie Cups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin—this will serve as the mold for your cookie cups.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for getting the right cookie texture.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each), roll them into balls, and press them into the mini muffin tin cups to form small wells. Use your thumb or the bottom of a small measuring cup to gently press the dough into shape.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cannoli Filling
While the cookie cups are cooling, let’s work on the creamy center.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Make sure your ricotta is very well drained—if it’s too wet, your filling may be runny. A cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer works great for this.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and beat until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for that authentic cannoli touch.
3. Assemble the Cookie Cups
Once your cookie cups are fully cooled, spoon or pipe the cannoli filling into each one. If you want a more polished look, a piping bag with a star tip works beautifully.
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for added texture and color.
Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to help you make the best Cannoli Cookie Cups every time:
- Drain the Ricotta Thoroughly: This is the most important step. Too much moisture will cause your filling to be runny. Let the ricotta drain overnight in the fridge if needed.
- Chill the Filling: If your filling feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before piping.
- Customize Your Flavor: Add a hint of citrus with orange zest, or a splash of almond extract for a fun variation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cookie cups a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving to maintain texture.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These cookie cups are best enjoyed the same day they’re filled, but they do hold up well if stored properly.
To Store:
- Unfilled cookie cups can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cannoli filling can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Assembled cookie cups should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
To Serve:
Serve chilled or at room temperature, arranged on a beautiful dessert platter with fresh berries or espresso for a sophisticated presentation.
Perfect Occasions for Cannoli Cookie Cups
These mini desserts are incredibly versatile and make a perfect addition to:
- Holiday dessert spreads
- Birthday parties
- Bridal and baby showers
- Sunday brunch
- Afternoon tea
- Italian-themed dinner nights
They’re elegant enough for formal events, yet simple enough for a cozy night in with a good movie and a cup of coffee.
Why Cannoli Cookie Cups Are So Shareable
In the age of social media and food blogs, presentation matters just as much as taste—and Cannoli Cookie Cups deliver on both fronts. Their bite-sized appeal, elegant garnish, and classic-meets-modern flavor profile make them highly photogenic and irresistibly clickable.
Here are a few reasons why these cookie cups are so popular:
- Instagram-worthy appearance
- Bite-sized perfection
- Easy to batch-bake
- Rich, nostalgic flavor with a twist
Encourage your readers to share their creations on social media with hashtags like #CannoliCookieCups or #MiniDesserts, and tag your blog for a chance to be featured!
Final Thoughts: Sweet Moments Start Here
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, Cannoli Cookie Cups are the answer. They bring together the charm of old-world Italian desserts and the convenience of modern baking. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and endlessly customizable, this is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.