Cannoli Bites are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. These bite-sized treats feature crispy pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling, and are perfect for parties or as a fun dessert option!

Ingredients

For the Pastry Shells:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup white wine (or vinegar)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Chopped pistachios or chocolate chips (for topping, optional)

Timing

Making Cannoli Bites takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg yolk, and white wine (or vinegar) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Roll Out Dough: After resting, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut Circles: Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.

Step 3: Fry the Pastry Shells

1. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Form Shells: Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube or a cone-shaped mold, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
3. Fry: Fry the shells in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.

Step 5: Assemble the Cannoli Bites

1. Fill Shells: Once the pastry shells are cool, carefully remove them from the molds. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta filling.
2. Garnish: Dust the filled cannoli bites with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the cannoli bites immediately for the best texture. Enjoy these delightful treats!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cannoli Bites (per bite, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	90
Protein	2g
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	11g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add orange or lemon zest to the ricotta filling for a citrusy twist.
• Different Fillings: Experiment with different fillings like mascarpone cheese or flavored cream cheese.
• Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the pastry shells instead of frying them.

Conclusion

Cannoli Bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of cannoli in a bite-sized form. Their crispy shells and creamy filling make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!