Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups Recipe

These Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups turn the beloved flavors of a classic Italian pastry into adorable, handheld treats. Crisp, golden wonton wrappers hold a luscious, creamy ricotta filling that’s lightly kissed with orange zest, cinnamon, and just a hint of almond. Topped with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios, every cup is rich with texture and flavor. Perfect for parties or as a fun twist on dessert night, you’ll want to tell everyone about these irresistible Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups couldn’t be easier—the beauty is in how each element shines through, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Every item brings something unique to the table, from the creamy ricotta to the crunchy pistachios.

• Wonton wrappers: These crisp up perfectly to mimic traditional cannoli shells, minus all the fuss of frying.
• Ricotta cheese: Draining it overnight will give you the creamiest, richest filling possible.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a slight tang and helps lighten up the filling while keeping it delightfully smooth.
• Orange zest: Just a touch brightens everything, bringing an authentic Italian flair.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth that complements the sweetness of the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily for a sweet, velvety texture in your filling.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and boosts that classic cannoli appeal.
• Almond extract (optional): This extra layer of flavor is subtle but truly special—try it if you love a hint of nuttiness.
• Mini chocolate chips: Bite-sized bursts of chocolate that pair perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Chopped pistachios: Offer a pop of color and crunch, making these cups both beautiful and crave-worthy.

How to Make Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a muffin pan with cooking spray, then gently nestle a wonton wrapper into each cup, pressing them down so they form little bowls. Bake the wrappers for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and crisp. Be sure to keep an eye on them—they brown quickly! Once baked, transfer the shells to a wire rack and let them cool completely, which guarantees a shatteringly crisp bite.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl (or with your stand mixer, if you like things extra smooth), combine your drained ricotta, Greek yogurt, orange zest, cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Whip or stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Taste as you go—you might decide you want more citrus or a dash more cinnamon.

Step 3: Assemble the Cannoli Cups

Once your wonton shells are cooled and your filling is decadently creamy, it’s time for a little assembly magic. Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into each shell, filling them just to the top. This is the part where your kitchen starts to smell like an Italian bakery—pure heaven!

Step 4: Add Those Dreamy Toppings

Now for the crowning glory! Sprinkle each filled cup generously with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Not only do they add incredible flavor and crunch, but they also make your Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups look absolutely party-ready.

How to Serve Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups

Garnishes

The finishing touch for these little beauties is everything. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar brings a snowy, bakery-style finish. For something extra special, add a twist of orange zest or a few whole pistachios to each cup. It’s amazing how a simple garnish can make your Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups look like they came from a pastry shop!

Side Dishes

For a truly Italian-inspired dessert spread, serve these cannoli cups with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange segments. A scoop of pistachio or vanilla gelato on the side plays perfectly with the creamy filling. If you’re entertaining, a shot of espresso or cappuccino is the dream companion—dessert and coffee, just like in Italy!

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the typical? Arrange your Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups on a rustic wooden board with clusters of grapes, chocolate shavings, and extra nuts for a festive dessert platter. Mini dessert stands or tiered trays turn these into showstoppers at any celebration. You could even set up a DIY toppings bar so guests can customize their own cups for extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, it’s a good idea to keep the shells and filling separate, assembling only when ready to serve so the shells stay crisp. If they’re already filled, enjoy them within a day for peak freshness.

Freezing

The filling for these cannoli cups actually freezes quite well—just transfer it to an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to use. For the wonton shells, store them at room temperature in a sealed container and assemble everything just before serving for the best crunch. Avoid freezing fully assembled cups, as the shells can lose their crispness.

Reheating

If your shells lose their crunch, pop them back in a low oven (around 300°F) for just a few minutes to revive that perfect snap. The filling is best served cold, so only reheat the empty shells if needed before refilling. Assembled cups shouldn’t be reheated, as you want the contrast between the chilled filling and crisp shell.

FAQs

Can I make Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the filling and bake the wonton cups a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture and taste.

Is there a good substitute for ricotta?

If ricotta isn’t available, whole-milk cottage cheese can work in a pinch; just blend it until smooth and drain off excess liquid. Mascarpone also makes for a luxurious but richer filling.

How do I keep the wonton cups from getting soggy?

Let the shells cool completely before filling and always fill them right before serving. If you must fill in advance, store them in the fridge uncovered for no more than a couple of hours.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Gluten-free wonton wrappers are available at some specialty stores or can be made at home. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free so just swap the wrappers as needed.

Do I have to use the almond extract?

Not at all! The almond extract is optional and adds a unique flavor, but the Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups are absolutely delicious without it, thanks to the pistachios and chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something extra special, these Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups are the answer. They’re so much fun to make, bursting with flavor, and look absolutely stunning on any table. You truly can’t go wrong—give them a try, and watch them disappear in record time!

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