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If you love easy, festive treats as much as I do, you are going to love these phyllo cannoli bites! I am so excited to share them with you! They’re perfect for the holidays, entertaining, or anytime you want a fun, bite-sized dessert that feels extra special.
Cannolis have always held a special place in my heart. I have so many memories of my Nonna’s cannolis. My mom used to make her recipe growing up, and it was one of those desserts everyone looked forward to. I’ve always loved the creamy filling, the hint of orange zest, the chocolate chips… everything about it!
But I also wanted to simplify the process and lighten things up while still keeping all that delicious flavor. And that’s exactly what these phyllo cannoli bites do. They’re crisp, creamy, and taste just like a classic cannoli, only in the cutest, most irresistible bite-size form! So amazing, and so easy to make!
Get ready, because these little bites might just become your new go-to dessert for every celebration. For another delicious phyllo dessert, try our apple tart with phyllo dough!
Why You Will Love These Cannoli Bites
- Flavorful: These phyllo cannoli bites have all the flavor of classic cannolis in bite-sized form.
- Crispy: The phyllo shells bake up crispy and crunchy and create a texture similar to traditional cannoli shells.
- Lighter: They are lightened up with part-skim ricotta while still tasting rich and delicious.
- Easy: They are very easy to make because you simply bake the shells, pipe in the filling, and enjoy. That’s it!
- Simple: This recipe is made with just 7 simple ingredients!
- Crowd-Pleaser: They make a festive and crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- Phyllo Shells: Use one package of mini phyllo shells, which contains 15 shells.
- Ricotta: Part-skim ricotta is the base of the filling, and it should be drained before mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling, and you can use regular powdered sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are mixed into the filling, and you can sprinkle some on top before serving, if desired.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright note that complements the rich and creamy filling.
- Cinnamon: A small pinch of cinnamon is optional but adds warmth and extra flavor.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Phyllo Shell Variations
No phyllo shells? No problem! You can still enjoy these cannoli bites with a few easy swaps! Try one of these options below.
- Waffle Cones or Waffle Bowls: Break mini waffle cones into bite-sized pieces or use mini waffle bowls for a fun twist.
- Chocolate Cups: Use small chocolate cups for a decadent, chocolatey version.
- Phyllo Sheets: If you have phyllo sheets but not cups, cut them into small rectangles, brush with butter, bake until crisp, and fold them into little triangles.
How To Make Phyllo Cannoli Bites
Step 1: Drain the ricotta by lining a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of paper towels, placing the ricotta in the strainer, gently pressing it with the back of a spoon to release excess liquid, and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Bake the phyllo cups at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp, and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Transfer the drained ricotta to a medium bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Refrigerate the filling for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Step 5: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each cooled phyllo cup with about one tablespoon of the filling. You can also make a piping bag by placing a Ziploc bag in a tall cup, spooning the filling inside, sealing it, and snipping off a small corner.
Step 6: Finish with optional toppings, such as extra chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these phyllo cannoli bites on a festive platter and sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or pistachios on top for a beautiful presentation. Dust the tops with powdered sugar or a sugar-free substitute right before serving for a classic cannoli look. For a fresh touch, add a few berries such as raspberries or sliced strawberries. These cannoli bites pair perfectly with espresso, cappuccino, or a cozy cup of coffee for an Italian-inspired treat.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Drain the Ricotta: Make sure to drain the ricotta well so the filling stays thick and doesn’t turn runny.
- Evenly Pipe the Filling: Pipe the filling evenly into each phyllo shell so every bite has the perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy phyllo.
- Avoid the Pith: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith underneath the skin because it can add a bitter flavor.
- Chocolate Options: You can use mini chocolate chips, roughly chop regular chocolate chips, or use sugar-free chocolate chips. You can also roughly chop a sugar-free or regular chocolate bar. Any of these options will work great! Or, if preferred, you can omit the chocolate chips or just sprinkle them on top.
- Phyllo Shells: Make sure to bake the phyllo shells and let them cool completely before piping in the filling so the shells stay crisp and the filling doesn’t melt.
Storage Instructions
If making ahead, store the filling separately in the refrigerator for up to two days and fill the cups just before serving. Assembled cannoli bites are best enjoyed the same day, but they can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The shells may soften slightly as they sit.
More Recipes to Try!
- Apple Pie Filling in Phyllo Shells
- Baked Brie Phyllo Cups
- Berry Parfait With Greek Yogurt
- Apple Tart With Phyllo Dough
- Healthy Pumpkin Tiramisu
- Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Phyllo Cannoli Bites
Ingredients
- 1 package of mini phyllo shells, 15 shells
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar or sugar substitute
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon orange zest, from 1/4 of an orange, optional
- 1 pinch of cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Drain the ricotta by lining a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of paper towels, placing the ricotta in the strainer, gently pressing it with the back of a spoon to release excess liquid, and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Bake the phyllo cups at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp, and let them cool completely.
- Transfer the drained ricotta to a medium bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the filling for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
- Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each cooled phyllo cup with about one tablespoon of the filling. You can also make a piping bag by placing a Ziploc bag in a tall cup, spooning the filling inside, sealing it, and snipping off a small corner.
- Finish with optional toppings, such as extra chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Video
Notes
- Ricotta Options: We used part-skim ricotta, but whole or fat-free ricotta also works.
- Chocolate Options: You can use mini chocolate chips, roughly chop regular chocolate chips, or use sugar-free chocolate chips. You can also roughly chop a sugar-free or regular chocolate bar. Or, if preferred, you can omit the chocolate chips or just sprinkle them on top.
- Avoid the Pith: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith underneath the skin because it can add a bitter flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
O, so delicious and fun too! One is perfect after dinner w/ hot tea. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mary, I love that you enjoyed these cannoli bites after dinner with hot tea. That sounds like the perfect little treat!
These Phyllo Cannoli Bites are absolutely delicious! Crispy, flaky phyllo shells paired with a creamy, lightly sweetened filling make for the perfect bite-sized dessert. We love how easy they are to make, yet they taste just like traditional cannolis.