Name: Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 premade pie crust; 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained; 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 19 reviews

If you love the classic Italian dessert but want a fun, bite-sized twist, you’re in for a treat with this Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe. These little gems are crunchy, creamy, and packed with sweet ricotta and melty chocolate chips—a combo that makes everyone smile. Trust me, once you make these, they’re going to be your go-to party appetizer or anytime snack. Let’s dive into why these Cannoli Bites are so fantastic and how you can nail the recipe at home.

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet indulgent: Using premade pie crust and ricotta-mascarpone filling gives you that rich cannoli flavor without complicated steps.
Perfect size and texture: Mini muffin tins bake the crust into crispy cups that hold the creamy filling perfectly.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before serving for fresh bites every time.
Customization friendly: Adding extra chocolate chips or dusting with powdered sugar lets you adjust the look and flavor easily.

Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate, Italian dessert bites, ricotta-filled snack, chocolate chip dessert, easy party appetizers - This image shows many small tartlets arranged closely on a metal cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. Each tartlet has one golden-brown pastry shell forming the base and sides. Inside, there is one layer of white whipped cream piped in a swirling pattern, rising above the tart shell's edge. Dark brown chocolate chips are scattered on top of the whipped cream, giving contrast to the white cream. The tartlet edges are dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar, adding a soft white touch all around. The overall look is neat, evenly spaced, and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe lies in how these ingredients come together — creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty ricotta meets velvety mascarpone for that authentic cannoli vibe, all nestled in a buttery pie crust cup. Here’s what each brings to the table and some shopping tips for your best results.

Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate, Italian dessert bites, ricotta-filled snack, chocolate chip dessert, easy party appetizers - Flat lay of a whole unbaked pale golden premade pie crust sheet, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mascarpone cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy mini chocolate chips, and a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Premade pie crust: Using store-bought pie crust speeds things up and gives you that flaky, buttery base without fussing over dough from scratch.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Straining it removes excess moisture so your filling isn’t watery—always a must for smooth, creamy texture.
Mascarpone cheese: This adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweet ricotta beautifully.
Vanilla extract: A dash lifts the flavors and adds warmth without overpowering the ricotta.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens and helps give the filling that delicate cannoli sweetness.
Mini chocolate chips: These little bursts of chocolate in every bite make the filling extra decadent and fun.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe my own by playing around with mix-ins and toppings. Feel free to get creative—this recipe loves personalization and it’s a blank canvas for your dessert mood.

Variation: Sometimes I fold in finely chopped pistachios or orange zest for an extra Italian flair that everyone raves about.
Dietary twists: You can swap mascarpone for cream cheese if that’s what you have, or use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.
Flavor boosters: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny splash of amaretto or coffee liqueur gives it an unexpected depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Crispy Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, unroll your room temperature pie crust on a lightly floured surface or cutting board—that helps keep it from sticking. I use a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, but a cup or cookie cutter works too, to cut out 12 rounds. Press each round gently into the cups of an ungreased mini muffin tin—don’t stretch the dough, just nudge it so it fits snugly. This creates the perfect shell for your filling. Then pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a beautiful light golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

While your crust cups cool (about 15 minutes), mix the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips in a bowl. I always strain my ricotta overnight in cheesecloth—or at least an hour—to keep the filling from being runny. Stir until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Assemble Your Cannoli Bites

Spoon the filling into your cooled pie crust cups. If you want to get fancy or ensure neat presentation, scoop the filling into a resealable plastic bag, snip a small corner off, and pipe it in—bonus points if you have a pastry bag with a star tip handy like I do! Finally, sprinkle some extra mini chocolate chips on top, and for that classic touch, dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and watch how fast they disappear.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Strain Your Ricotta: Moisture ruins the filling texture; draining the ricotta overnight gives you creamy, not soggy, bites.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Press gently when fitting crust into muffin tin to avoid tough shells.
Pipe for Presentation: Using a piping bag means less mess and prettier bites that impress guests every time.
Serve Fresh: Fill the cups just before serving to keep the crust crisp and delightful.

How to Serve Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe

Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate, Italian dessert bites, ricotta-filled snack, chocolate chip dessert, easy party appetizers - The image shows mini cupcake-like desserts arranged on a white plate with scalloped edges, sitting on a white marbled surface. Each dessert has a golden-brown crust base dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. On top, there is a swirl of creamy white frosting with a smooth but slightly ridged texture. The frosting is decorated with several small, dark chocolate chips, some of which are also dusted with powdered sugar, adding a contrast in color and texture. In the background, the edge of a similarly colored container holds extra dark chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but effective: a dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but a few chopped pistachios or even a mini drizzle of melted chocolate adds color, texture, and that extra wow factor. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten up the plate if you’re serving these at a gathering.

Side Dishes

These cannoli bites shine solo but pairing them with a cold espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato makes for an elegant treat. For a brunch or buffet, I like offering fresh berries or a citrus salad alongside to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged Cannoli Bites on tiered dessert stands or nestled them into mini cupcake wrappers for individual servings. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of gold dust takes these bites from simple to show-stopping in seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store assembled cannoli bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the crust may soften slightly as it sits, so they’re best eaten fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the filled cannoli bites because the delicate crust can become soggy after thawing. However, you can freeze the baked crust cups on their own for up to 2 months—just thaw before filling and serving.

Reheating

To bring back some crispiness to leftover crust cups, I gently reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before filling. Avoid microwaving as it makes the shells chewy.

FAQs

Can I make Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the ricotta and mascarpone for dairy-free cream cheese or coconut-based ricotta alternatives. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor will shift slightly, but it still makes a delicious treat.
What’s the best way to strain ricotta for this recipe?

Put your ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl, and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This helps prevent watery filling and creates creamy consistency.
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of premade?

Yes! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully if you want to make the recipe from scratch. Just be sure your dough is chilled and easy to roll so it fits nicely into the mini muffin pan without tearing.
How long do Cannoli Bites last after assembling?

They’re best eaten the same day you assemble them. If you refrigerate, consume within 1-2 days, but expect the crust to soften over time.

Final Thoughts

This Cannoli Bites with Ricotta and Chocolate Recipe is one of those gems I love sharing because it’s easy, impressive, and just downright delicious. I’ve made these for everything from casual family nights to fancy dinner parties, and they always get gobbled up. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the crunch, creaminess, and chocolatey goodness rolled into one perfect little bite. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Can’t wait to hear what you think!