Cannoli Muffins

The sweet aroma of freshly baked muffins fills the air as you prepare to enjoy a delightful twist on a classic treat. Cannoli muffins bring the rich, creamy essence of traditional Italian cannoli into a soft, tender muffin form, taking just 30 minutes to make and bake. The unique combination of ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and a hint of orange zest ensures a delightful surprise in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or simply indulging on a special weekend. These muffins store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The use of ricotta cheese leads to a moist and fluffy texture.
• Chocolate chips and orange zest create a deliciously unique flavor combination.
• Quick preparation and baking make this recipe ideal for busy mornings.
• Perfectly portioned for easy sharing at gatherings.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to create these delightful muffins.

For the Muffins

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Zest of 1 orange

Note: For a lighter muffin, use part-skim ricotta.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use cream cheese for a richer flavor.
• Substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter.
• Almond extract can replace vanilla extract.
• Use semi-sweet chocolate instead of mini chips.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to bake your cannoli muffins to perfection.

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in Add-ins

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest, ensuring an even distribution.

Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, for longer freshness.
Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
• Add more orange zest for an extra citrusy kick.
• Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a drizzle of chocolate or glaze.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast treat.
• Serve alongside fresh berries for extra color and flavor.