Sweet Mini Cannoli Tarts Recipe: Bite-Sized Italian Bliss

Sweet cannoli tarts blend Sicilian charm with bite-sized deliciousness that will make you swoon.

My grandmother’s secret recipe inspired this miniature dessert marvel.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a silky ricotta filling so smooth it feels like velvet.

Delicate chocolate chips add playful crunch to each elegant morsel.

Rich mascarpone and creamy ricotta create a luxurious texture that melts perfectly on your palate.

Dust these little treasures with powdered sugar for a magical finishing touch.

Come experience a dessert that whispers pure Italian indulgence.

Why Mini Cannoli Tarts Are a Total Delight

• Craft Sweet Mini Delights: Create adorable bite-sized desserts that pack a punch of traditional Italian cannoli flavor in a convenient, personal-sized format.
• Master Stress-Free Baking: Enjoy a straightforward recipe requiring minimal specialized equipment, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want to impress family and friends.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different nut toppings or chocolate variations, making these mini tarts a versatile dessert that welcomes personal culinary expression.
• Prep-Ahead Party Pleaser: Prepare components in advance and assemble quickly, making these tarts ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and elegant dessert displays without last-minute kitchen stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cannoli Tart Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base that provides structure for the delicate pastry shells.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the tart shell.
• Chilled Butter: Creates flaky texture and rich flavor in the pastry.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness to the tart shell.

• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy and smooth base for the traditional cannoli filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds extra richness and luxurious texture to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheese mixture with a delicate touch.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm and aromatic flavor to the filling.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Chopped Pistachios: Add delightful crunch and decorative texture to the mini tarts.
• Additional Powdered Sugar: Provides a classic finishing touch with a light dusting of sweetness.

Easy Steps for Assembling Mini Cannoli Tarts

Step 1: Create Buttery Dough

In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand. Add egg and continue pulsing until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the butter firm up and flavors blend.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Vessels

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take the chilled dough and roll small portions into tiny balls.

Step 3: Shape Delicate Shells

Press each dough ball into the mini muffin cavities, carefully creating thin, uniform shells that cover the bottom and sides of each cup. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed for consistent baking.

Step 4: Bake Golden Shells

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake the tart shells for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Luxurious Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mascarpone cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and light.

Step 6: Fill Tart Shells

Transfer the filling to a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully fill each cooled tart shell. Ensure an even distribution of the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Add Delightful Toppings

• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios

These toppings will add texture and extra flavor to the dessert.

Step 8: Final Touch

Dust the completed mini cannoli tarts with a light layer of powdered sugar just before serving. Chill for 15 minutes to help the filling set and enhance the flavor combination.

Step 9: Serve and Store

Serve the tarts immediately for the best taste and texture. If not consuming right away, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tarts will maintain their delicious flavor and crisp shells when properly stored.

Tips for Crispy Shells and Creamy Cannoli Filling

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the pastry dough for a full 30 minutes to ensure butter solidifies, creating flakier, more tender tart shells with a delicate texture.
• Control Shell Thickness: Press dough gently and evenly into mini muffin tin, aiming for thin, uniform shells that bake consistently without becoming too thick or dense.
• Drain Ricotta Properly: Pat ricotta cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing watery filling and ensuring a creamy, rich consistency for the tart centers.
• Pipe with Precision: Use a piping bag for a cleaner, more professional filling technique that distributes the cream evenly and creates an elegant presentation in each mini tart.

Creative Cannoli Tart Styles to Try

• Tropical Paradise Tarts: Replace pistachios with toasted coconut flakes and mix finely diced mango into the ricotta filling for a bright, fruity version.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Tarts: Incorporate melted dark chocolate and a shot of espresso into the filling, then garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans.
• Berry Bliss Tarts: Fold crushed raspberries into the ricotta mixture and top with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
• Salted Caramel Crunch Tarts: Swirl salted caramel sauce into the filling and sprinkle with crushed toffee bits for a rich, indulgent variation.

What to Pair With Mini Cannoli Tarts for Extra Fun

• Boost Sweet Harmony: Pair crisp moscato wine with these mini cannoli tarts to complement their creamy texture and delicate sweetness.
• Create Coffee Connection: Serve a rich espresso or cappuccino alongside these tarts to balance the dessert's sweetness and enhance the nutty pistachio notes.
• Elevate Flavor Contrast: Match the tarts with a chilled limoncello, which provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling and adds an authentic Italian touch.
• Craft Dessert Experience: Add a small scoop of vanilla gelato to create a luxurious dessert plate that highlights the tarts' delicate shell and smooth ricotta filling.

How to Store Mini Cannoli Tarts the Smart Way

• Seal mini cannoli tarts in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve delicate texture.
• Keep refrigerated up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness by covering tightly with plastic wrap or storing in sealed container.
• Wrap individual tarts separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container for up to 3 weeks, thawing at room temperature before serving.
• Separate shells and filling when storing longer periods to maintain crisp pastry texture and prevent sogginess during refrigeration.

FAQ Time: Mini Cannoli Tart Edition

• What are the key ingredients for the tart shells?

Flour, powdered sugar, salt, butter, and egg are the primary ingredients for creating the delicate, crisp tart shells that form the base of these mini cannoli tarts.

• How do I ensure my tart shells are thin and even?

Roll the chilled dough into small balls and gently press them into mini muffin cavities, using your fingers to create uniform, thin shells that will bake evenly and have a delicate texture.

• Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta and mascarpone filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the tart shells.