Name: Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 15 phyllo shells (found in freezer section); 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

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Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites bring all the crispy, creamy goodness of classic cannoli in a poppable, party-ready form you’ll want to make again and again. These adorable mini desserts are endlessly sharable and stunning on a platter, but what really makes them shine is the irresistible combination of delicate phyllo shells, rich and tangy cheese filling, and a bit of crunch from chocolate chips and pistachios. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge your own sweet tooth, Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites are the treat to keep up your sleeve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It doesn’t take much to whip up a batch of delightful Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites. Every ingredient has its special job — from creating a luscious filling to adding bursts of texture and color. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Phyllo shells: Pre-made, crisp, and flaky, these provide the ideal bite-sized vessel for the creamy filling.
Mascarpone cheese: Adds rich, velvety texture and a subtle tang that feels luxurious in every bite.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Brings a classic cannoli flavor and lightness that balances the filling perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any grittiness — make sure to sift if there are lumps!
Vanilla paste or extract: Rounds out the flavor with deep, sweet, aromatic notes — paste gives those lovely flecks.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and a whisper of spice.
Mini chocolate chips: These pack a bite-size punch of chocolate in every mouthful, offering both flavor and texture.
Pistachios: Chopped and sprinkled, they add crunch and a pop of bright green color that makes each bite stand out.

How to Make Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Prep the Phyllo Shells

Start by pulling your phyllo shells out of the freezer and setting them on the counter while you make the filling. They’ll thaw and crisp up perfectly at room temperature — no baking needed for these time-saving wonders! Don’t worry if they seem delicate, they handle the cannoli filling beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

Now for the best part: the dreamy, creamy cannoli filling. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is velvety smooth. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste for yourself!

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once your filling is silky, add in those adorable mini chocolate chips and stir gently to distribute them throughout. Each bite will have just the right amount of chocolate, perfectly balancing the ricotta’s light tang.

Step 4: Fill the Phyllo Cups

Spoon the creamy filling evenly into the phyllo shells. Don’t worry about precision here; you want each shell full and slightly overflowing for that dramatic, bakery-style appeal. This is a fantastic step to get little helpers involved, if you have any hands eager for kitchen fun!

Step 5: Add Toppings

Bring your Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites to life with a final shower of mini chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of chopped pistachios. Not only do these toppings add crunch and color, but they also give each bite a delightful contrast of textures.

Step 6: Serve Right Away

Trust me, these treats are at their absolute best served immediately — the filling is cool and creamy, the shells are perfectly crisp, and the toppings are fresh. Arrange the bites on a pretty platter for an instant showstopper!

How to Serve Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites

Garnishes

A little extra flourish never hurts! Try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or shave a bit of dark chocolate over the top to amp up the decadence. Even a few whole pistachios tossed onto the serving platter look gorgeous and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pairing Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites with fresh fruit brings out their lighter side — berries, orange segments, or even a small scoop of gelato work beautifully. For a richer dessert table, serve them alongside coffee or a sweet dessert wine for the ultimate Italian-inspired experience.

Creative Ways to Present

These bites shine on a pretty tiered stand, but you can also arrange them in decorative muffin papers for a touch of elegance or nestle them into a rustic wooden serving tray for casual gatherings. For extra color and flair, surround them with edible flowers or citrus zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which is rare! — store the Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within two days, as the shells may lose their crispness with time.

Freezing

While the filling itself can be made ahead and frozen (just freeze it without the chocolate chips and pistachios, then mix those in after thawing), assembled Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites do not freeze well. The phyllo shells tend to become soggy when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy them freshly made.

Reheating

No reheating needed for these little beauties! In fact, they’re at their best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to refresh the shells, you can gently warm just the empty shells in the oven for a few minutes before filling them.

FAQs

Can I make Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites in advance?

You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge, but for best texture, fill the phyllo shells just before serving. This keeps the shells ultra crisp and delicious.

Can I substitute the mascarpone or ricotta with other cheeses?

The mascarpone and ricotta combo gives the most authentic flavor, but in a pinch, you could use all ricotta and add a splash of cream for richness. Avoid low-fat or grainy cheeses for the creamiest filling.

Are Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites gluten-free?

Standard phyllo shells contain wheat, so they are not gluten-free. You might find gluten-free phyllo or similar cups at specialty stores, which can be swapped in for a gluten-free version.

How do I keep the shells crispy?

The main trick is to fill the shells as close to serving time as possible. If you’re prepping for a party, you can keep everything separate until guests arrive, then assemble quickly!

What’s the best way to transport Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites?

Line a container with parchment paper and arrange the bites in a single layer, making sure they’re spaced apart. Avoid stacking, and if possible, assemble them at your destination for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a tray of homemade Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites with friends and family — they’re eye-catching, crave-worthy, and genuinely easy to make. Give them a try and let their charm win everyone over, one perfect bite at a time!

Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
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 treat that combines creamy cheeses, chocolate, and pistachios in a crispy phyllo shell. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cannoli Filling:

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

For Topping:

15 phyllo shells (found in freezer section)
2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

Instructions

Remove the phyllo shells: Take the phyllo shells out of the freezer and place them on the counter to defrost.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
Add chocolate chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Fill the phyllo cups: Divide the filling mixture among the phyllo cups.
Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the filled cups.
Serve: Serve the Mini Phyllo Cannoli Bites immediately and enjoy!

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