Step 1: Make the Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden color on your shells.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Egg and Wine: Pour in the beaten egg and wine (or vinegar). Mix until the dough forms a ball. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water until it comes together.
5. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough gently for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Cups

1. Roll Out the Dough: After resting, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
2. Forming the Shells: Grease a muffin tin. Take each circle and drape it over the muffin cup, pressing it down gently. This will create the shape of your cups. Make sure to pinch the edges so they hold their shape while baking.
3. Bake the Shells: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning! Let them cool completely before removing from the tin.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Drain the Ricotta: To ensure your filling isn’t watery, drain the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer for about 30 minutes. This step is key for the perfect filling consistency!
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Cups

1. Fill the Cups: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cooled shell with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy; fill them generously for that delicious bite!
2. Garnish: Top each cup with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips for a fun touch. These little garnishes add flavor and a pop of color!

Step 5: Enjoy!

1. Serve: Arrange the mini cannoli cups on a platter and watch them disappear! They’re best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
2. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover filling, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can refill the shells later for a quick treat!

Helpful Tips:

• If your shells are too thick, they may not crisp up well, so roll them out evenly.
• Experiment with different toppings, like maraschino cherries or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.