Cannoli Cookies

There’s something just magical about cookies that evoke nostalgia, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tasted a cannoli at an Italian bakery. The crunchy shell, the creamy ricotta filling, and those little chocolate chips dancing on my palate—it was a culinary romance! It was only a matter of time before I tried to capture that delightful experience in cookie form. Enter: Cannoli Cookies! A delightful twist that combines everything we love about traditional cannoli into a bite-sized treat you can feel good about sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

Why you’ll love this recipe

These Cannoli Cookies have a unique charm that’s hard to resist. They’re a brilliant tribute to the classic Italian pastry, infused with a buttery base and a luxurious ricotta filling. Each bite is like a sweet symphony of flavors—the richness of the butter, the creamy goodness of the ricotta, and the delightful pops of mini chocolate chips. Plus, they’re rolled in cinnamon-sugar like a warm hug! With a crispy exterior giving way to a chewy center, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds – I certainly wouldn’t judge!).

And let’s talk versatility! You can serve these beauties at tea parties, friendly gatherings, or even just cozy nights in with a good movie. The flavors are comforting yet elegant, making them perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress? Trust me, these cookies will become your new go-to!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into the magic mix that brings these Cannoli Cookies to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough. Regular flour works wonderfully here; if you’re feeling adventurous, try using almond flour for a nutty twist!

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little leavener helps the cookies rise beautifully, creating that perfect texture we all adore.

• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to elevate the sweetness and balance all the flavors. Don’t skip this!

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show! Softened butter blends better, yielding that light and fluffy texture.

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It adds to the overall flavor and gives your cookies that lovely golden color.

• 1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture, ensuring that each bite is wonderfully chewy.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is the magic ingredient that enhances all those buttery and creamy flavors!

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: This is your creamy surprise! It brings the distinctive cannoli flavor—don’t skimp out; quality ricotta is crucial for authenticity.

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For a hint of sweetness in the filling, ensuring that creaminess shines through.

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A hint of warmth that wraps around the cookie, reminiscent of cozy days.

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Because who can resist chocolate? They add a sweet pop to each cookie.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): This sugary exterior adds a delightful crunch.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): More of that warm spice, to envelop the cookies in goodness!

How this recipe comes together

Ready to embark on your baking adventure? Here’s how you’ll create these cookie masterpieces:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy clean-up—because we all love that!

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients and helps to aerate them, which sets the stage for your cookie batter.

3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This is your chance to really get that air incorporated—trust me, it makes all the difference! Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix – we want to keep that tender texture!

5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined. This rich filling is like a dream—creamy, sweet, and delicious!

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a lovely sugary crust that’s a treat on its own!

7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread out in the oven.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden hue!

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Finally, once they’ve cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Voilà—your Cannoli Cookies are ready to devour!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how should you serve these delightful treats? Honestly, they’re divine on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, pair them with a steaming cup of espresso or a rich cappuccino, channeling that stylish Italian café vibe right in your living room.

For something a bit different, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of gelato to create a festive dessert platter. Drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce can also add an extra layer of richness. The possibilities are endless!

Storage and reheating tips

Got extras (or just baking in bulk)? Here’s how to keep these cookies fresh and fabulous:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!

• If you need to store them for longer, pop them in the fridge! They’ll last about a week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

• Freezing? Absolutely! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last a couple of months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are my pro-level tips to nail this recipe every time:

• Use good-quality ricotta—it’s worth it! My favorite is the whole milk kind; it’s creamier, making your filling richer.

• Feel free to experiment with flavor. A dash of almond extract instead of vanilla or adding orange zest to the filling brings a lovely brightness.

• For a festive finish, sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios on the filling before sandwiching the cookies. It adds a colorful crunch that’s simply irresistible.

Creative Twists

Want to mix it up? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Nutty delight: Swap some of the flour for finely ground almond flour for a nutty version.

• Fruit infusion: Try adding mini dried fruit like raisins or currants to the ricotta filling for a fun twist!

• Chocolate lover’s dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate twist—imagine a double chocolate cannoli!

Common questions

1. How long do these cookies take to make? From prep to baking, you’re looking at about 30-45 minutes, depending on your cookie skills!

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Chill it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it to bake fresh cookies later.

3. Can I use a low-fat ricotta? Sure, but it’ll alter the creaminess. A whole-milk ricotta offers the best texture.

4. What can I pair these cookies with? Think coffee, pastries, or even a glass of dessert wine—they’re so versatile!

5. Are these cookies good for kids? Definitely! The flavors are a hit with little ones, and they’ll love helping with the rolling and sandwiching.

There’s no denying the joy of baking these Cannoli Cookies. Each one is a story waiting to be shared—a sweet memory crafted in your kitchen. I encourage you to dive right in! Experiment with flavors, make it your own, and don’t forget to invite a friend or two for some cookie-sandwiching action. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

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Cannoli Cookies

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Dessert, Snacks Recipe Keys: Dairy Quick Meals Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 12 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 32 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 150

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

These Cannoli Cookies combine everything we love about traditional cannoli into a bite-sized treat. With a crispy exterior and a chewy center, they're rolled in cinnamon-sugar and filled with a creamy ricotta delight, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a nutty twist)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened (for a light and fluffy texture)
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (to bind the mixture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor enhancement)
• ¹⁄₂ cup ricotta cheese (use quality ricotta for best results)
• ¹⁄₄ cup powdered sugar (for the filling)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth)
• ¹⁄₂ cup mini chocolate chips (for sweetness)
• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) (for a crunchy exterior)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling) (for added flavor)

Instructions

Baking the Cookies

1. Prep the Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   This prevents sticking and aids in cleanup.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   This aerates the dry ingredients.
   Mark as complete

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
   Incorporating air is essential for texture.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Mixtures

   Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
   Mark as complete

5. Prepare the Filling

   In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips.
   Ensure the filling is creamy and well combined.
   Mark as complete

6. Form Balls

   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   Creates a delightful sugary crust.
   Mark as complete

7. Shape the Cookies

   Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   Watch closely for the perfect golden hue.
   Mark as complete

9. Cool Cookies

   Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
   Mark as complete

10. Fill and Sandwich

    Spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 150kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 70mg3%

Potassium 40mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 17g6%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 8g

Protein 2g4%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 60 mg

Iron 0.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 0.2 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 2 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 50 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 0 mg

Zinc 0 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Keywords: Cannoli, cookies, Italian pastry, dessert