Name: Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 15 phyllo shells (found in freezer section); 2 oz. mascarpone cheese; 2/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; pinch of cinnamon; 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you love classic cannoli but want a bite-sized twist that’s easier to serve (and eat!), Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites are a must-try treat that brings together creamy, luscious filling with the perfect flaky crunch. These cheerful little desserts are everything you adore about traditional cannoli, but with no need for deep frying or rolling out dough! They pack plenty of personality thanks to their crispy phyllo shells brimming with a sweet, vanilla-scented ricotta-mascarpone filling, pops of mini chocolate chips, and a scatter of crushed pistachios. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple weeknight treat, this is a dessert that will delight every guest and brighten up any dessert table.

Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites is just how simple and achievable the ingredient list is. Each element comes together to create a treat that’s crackly, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Let’s talk about why these ingredients matter!

Phyllo shells: Pre-made, freezer-section phyllo shells save you tons of time and bring the ultimate crunch without the fuss of rolling or frying.
Mascarpone cheese: This creamy Italian cheese lends richness and silkiness to the filling, balancing tangy ricotta for the dreamiest texture.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Using whole milk ricotta delivers a smooth, full-bodied base—avoid part-skim for best results!
Powdered sugar: Provides gentle sweetness that melts seamlessly into the filling, ensuring there’s no grittiness.
Vanilla paste or extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor and gives that classic cannoli aroma—paste packs more flavor, but extract is totally fine.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth and depth to the cream filling.
Mini chocolate chips: These tiny morsels provide bursts of chocolate in every bite and look cute as a garnish, too.
Pistachios, chopped: For an authentic cannoli nutty crunch and a pop of color, don’t skip the pistachios!

How to Make Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Phyllo Shells

Start by removing your phyllo shells from the freezer and placing them on the counter to thaw. This gives them time to come up to room temperature and get nice and crisp—no sogginess allowed! Letting them sit out while you prep the filling means everything will be ready to assemble at the same time, making the process a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Cannoli Cream

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla paste (or extract), and a pinch of cinnamon. Grab a sturdy spoon and stir everything together until fully blended—no lumps or streaks, just a gorgeous, creamy mixture. It should look rich and smell incredible; resist the urge to sneak too many tastes!

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed throughout the filling. These add the perfect little cocoa surprise to each bite, and their small size means you get plenty of chocolate in every spoonful. The filling will look studded and tempting—the best sign you’re on track!

Step 4: Fill the Phyllo Shells

Carefully divide the cannoli filling among your thawed phyllo cups, using a spoon or small cookie scoop for neat portions. Fill each shell generously, but avoid overfilling so the gorgeous cream stays put. If you want to get fancy, you can pipe the filling in for a bakery-style finish, but a spoon works just as well.

Step 5: Top and Garnish

Finish your Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites by topping each with a few more mini chocolate chips and a scattering of chopped pistachios. Not only does this add crunch and a hint of salty flavor, but it makes each bite look extra-special and irresistibly festive.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your beautiful bites immediately so the shells stay crisp. Lay them out on a pretty platter, watch them disappear, and soak up all the happy chatter about how good they are! There’s something so inviting about these golden, creamy morsels—don’t be surprised if they vanish in record time.

How to Serve Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites

Garnishes

When it comes to serving Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites, garnishes make all the difference! Try a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a classic cannoli look. A tiny twist of orange zest can be a fancy finishing touch, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate for extra decadence. A sprig of fresh mint on the platter also adds color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with espresso, cappuccino, or a creamy vanilla latte for a true Italian cafe experience. They’re also fabulous alongside a fruit salad made with berries and citrus, which adds a tart contrast to the sweet, creamy filling. No matter how you serve them, Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites fit right into any dessert spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up your presentation by arranging the bites in neat rows on a vintage cake stand, or cluster them in cupcake liners for easy, grab-and-go servings. For a party, try putting them on a wooden board with other Italian treats for a “cannoli bar” moment. They’re as versatile as they are adorable, making them a playful addition to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites left over (which isn’t likely—seriously!), place them in a single layer in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The shells may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will stay vibrant and delicious for up to two days.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these bites fresh, you can freeze just the filling ahead of time in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator, give it a good stir, and fill freshly crisped phyllo shells just before serving.

Reheating

Phyllo shells lose their crispness in the fridge, but you can rescue them by popping unfilled shells in a hot oven (350°F for a few minutes) until re-crisped. Always fill the shells just before eating to keep the perfect bite—rich, creamy filling and shatteringly crisp outside!

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of nuts on top?

Absolutely! While pistachios add wonderful color and classic cannoli flavor, you can substitute with chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even pecans. Toasting the nuts first will make them even more fragrant and delicious.

What if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?

No mascarpone, no problem! You can substitute with full-fat cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Let it soften at room temperature for easy blending with the ricotta and other ingredients.

Can I make Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free phyllo shells or tartlet cups at specialty or health food stores. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so you only need to swap out the shell.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Definitely! The cream filling can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Wait until just before serving to fill the shells so they stay perfectly crisp.

What’s the best way to transport these for a party?

For transporting, keep the filled bites in a single layer in a lidded container lined with parchment paper. Assemble them as close to serving time as possible to keep the shells crisp, and avoid stacking to prevent smashing those pretty tops.

Final Thoughts

I hope this lush, playful take on classic cannoli inspires you to invite friends over and whip up a batch of Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites! They’re as easy to make as they are delicious, and there’s nothing quite like seeing people’s eyes light up as they discover that perfect combination of crunch and creamy filling. Let your kitchen fill with joy—give these irresistible bites a try!

Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 15 mini cannoli bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the creamy richness of mascarpone and ricotta cheese with the crunch of phyllo shells, chocolate chips, and pistachios.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

15 phyllo shells (found in freezer section)
2 oz. mascarpone cheese
2/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
pinch of cinnamon
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

Instructions

Remove the phyllo shells: Take the shells out of the freezer and let them thaw on the counter.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
Add chocolate chips: Mix in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Fill the phyllo cups: Divide the creamy filling among the phyllo cups.
Garnish: Sprinkle the tops with additional mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
Serve: Enjoy these Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites immediately!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Assembling
Cuisine: Italian