Tired of the same old dessert routine? Craving something delicious, yet manageable? Look no further! These Cannoli Bites deliver all the rich, creamy, and crunchy goodness of traditional cannoli in bite-sized, irresistible packages. Perfect for parties, a quick sweet treat, or simply satisfying a sudden craving, these easy recipes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds! This recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Italian dessert, making it a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking endeavors.
Ingredients:
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For the Shells:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained well
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
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For the Garnish:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pistachios
Instructions:
Making the Cannoli Shells:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Bake the shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the circles on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Shape the shells: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin to create a slight curve, resembling a mini cannoli shell. Let them cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Stir in the mini chocolate chips and/or chopped pistachios, if desired.
Assembling the Cannoli Bites:
- Fill the shells: Once the shells are completely cool, spoon the ricotta filling into each shell.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for the Best Cannoli Bites:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in tough cannoli shells.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender shells.
- Use a mini muffin tin: This helps to shape the shells and prevent them from becoming flat.
- Let the shells cool completely: Filling the shells while they are still warm will cause the filling to melt.
Variations:
- Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the ricotta filling for a refreshing twist.
- Different nuts: Substitute the pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Spiced ricotta: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ricotta filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per bite, approximate):
Calories: 80-100 | Fat: 5-7g | Carbohydrates: 10-12g | Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Cannoli Bites are a delightful treat that's surprisingly easy to make. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without requiring extensive baking skills. Enjoy this quick and delicious dessert, and don't hesitate to share your culinary creations with friends and family! They're sure to be a hit at your next gathering.