Description
Crisp Italian pastry shells cradle luscious cannoli cream in this delightful mini cannoli tarts recipe, bringing Sicily’s sweet essence to your dessert table. Creamy ricotta filling and delicate chocolate chips promise a heavenly bite that will transport dessert enthusiasts straight to Naples.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish and Extras:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Pulse flour, powdered sugar, salt, and chilled butter in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg and pulse until dough comes together, forming a cohesive ball.
- Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to allow butter to firm and flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a mini muffin tin with light cooking spray.
- Roll chilled dough into small balls and press into mini muffin cavities, creating thin, even shells.
- Bake tart shells for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove and cool completely.
- Whip ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer filling to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each cooled tart shell.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over filled tarts.
- Dust the completed mini cannoli tarts with additional powdered sugar just before serving.
- Chill for 15 minutes to help filling set and enhance flavor melding.
- Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky, tender crust with clean edges during baking.
- Use full-fat ricotta and mascarpone for a rich, creamy texture that maintains the authentic cannoli flavor profile.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring similar texture and structure.
- Customize toppings by experimenting with crushed pistachios, candied orange peel, or dark chocolate shavings for varied flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg