Mini Cannoli Pies

Love cannolis? Good, me too. How about these Mini Cannoli Pies?? They’re the best mashup of the rich, creamy flavors of a traditional cannoli with the convenience of a semi-homemade treat. If you ask me, these Mini Cannoli Pies are the perfect combo. They’re made with a tasty cannoli filling and ready-made mini graham crackers crusts, so you don’t even have to worry about making the shell! I added a hint of cinnamon, a ton of mini chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Also…everything is just so much cuter when it’s mini.

Cannoli Pies

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• 2 sets of Keebler mini pie crusts
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar + extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips + more for topping

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Instructions

1. Start by draining the ricotta cheese. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer or wrap it in cheesecloth and let it drain for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This super important so that the filling isn’t runny.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes to firm up slightly before using.
5. When ready to use, spoon the filling into all of the mini pie crusts. Should be 12 total. Top with a few mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar.

There’s something about combining tradition with convenience that makes a recipe feel just right, and that’s exactly how these Mini Cannoli Pies came to life. I was inspired by a Yankee Candle that I bought when I was a vacation. The scent was chocolate chip cannoli and I thought about how fun it would be to put a new spin on it. I am a huge fan of cannolis…the crispy shell with creamy, sweet filling always wins me over. That’s when I thought, why not take the essence of a cannoli and turn it into something simpler but just as delicious?

The first step in making these Mini Cannoli Pies is all about the ricotta cheese. Draining it properly is essential to avoid a runny filling. I usually place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer or wrap it in cheesecloth and let it drain in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight if I’m planning ahead. This step might seem tedious, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once, I rushed through this part, and the filling didn’t hold up as well as I wanted. Lesson learned!

Once your ricotta is perfectly drained, it’s time to mix it with mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar. The combination of these two cheeses creates a rich, creamy base that’s just the right amount of sweet. I love watching the transformation as I mix everything together—the ricotta and mascarpone start off slightly grainy, but with each stir, they become smoother and silkier. It’s like a little bit of kitchen magic.

Next, I add the vanilla extract and a hint of ground cinnamon, which gives the filling a warm, inviting flavor without overpowering it. Then come the mini chocolate chips—my favorite part! Gently folding them into the filling, I always sneak a few extra just to taste. After all, who can resist the combination of chocolate and creamy sweet cheese? Once mixed, I cover the bowl and let the filling chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and gives the filling a chance to firm up just enough for easy scooping.

When the filling is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. I spoon the creamy mixture into the Keebler mini pie crusts, filling each one to the brim. The mini pie crusts are the perfect shortcut, giving these little desserts a satisfying crunch without the hassle of making traditional cannoli shells. To finish, I sprinkle a few more mini chocolate chips on top and add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that classic look.

And just like that, your Mini Cannoli Pies are ready to serve! These little desserts are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a special gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They’re proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something that feels indulgent and special. With this recipe, you can have the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy flavor of a cannoli in a fun, bite-sized pie. And try to find that candle while you’re at it 😉