Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, bringing all the creamy, sweet flavors of traditional cannoli into a convenient cookie form. These soft and chewy treats are filled with a heavenly ricotta mixture and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a delicious snack at home, these cookies will impress your friends, family, and, most importantly, your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in no time and require minimal effort.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the unique flavor and texture of these cookies.
- Unbelievably Delicious: With a sweet ricotta filling bursting with chocolatey goodness, they’re impossible to resist!
What sets these cannoli cookies apart is their chewy texture paired with the creamy sweet filling. They’re perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!
Ingredients Needed
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
These ingredients come together to create delightful cookies filled with a rich, creamy center.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which gives the cookies their texture.
Incorporate egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well blended.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and smooth.
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until well incorporated; this will create the delicious filling for your cookies.
Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely appearance.
Flatten and bake: Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet and flatten each slightly using the bottom of a glass. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and fill: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve: Arrange the filled cannoli cookies on a decorative platter. They look stunning alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Store: Keep your cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for up to a week.
Helpful Notes
Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies: Ensure your butter is softened properly for the best results. If you find your dough is too sticky, adding a bit more flour can help. Feel free to play around with the filling – adding nuts or other flavors can be fun!
Variations: You can replace mini chocolate chips with raisins or chopped nuts. For a twist, try adding a splash of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
These cannoli cookies are sure to be a favorite among friends and family. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they bring the wonderful flavor of classic cannoli in a fun cookie form. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your creations on social media as well! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese for a richer filling!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some for structure.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them. Just bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, fill them after thawing.
Print
Cannoli Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies filled with a rich ricotta mixture, blending the classic flavors of cannoli in a chewy cookie form.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well incorporated.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling onto one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened properly for best results. Adjust flour if the dough is too sticky. Explore variations with different fillings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg