Cannoli Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen, these Cannoli Cookies are just the thing! They combine the classic flavors of traditional cannoli into a fun and easy cookie format. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these sweet bites will surely make everyone smile. The crispy cinnamon-sugar cookies paired with a creamy ricotta filling create an irresistible combination that’s hard to resist.

What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself, these Cannoli Cookies are an ideal choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and who can resist cookies filled with creamy ricotta?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these in advance and store them for later, making dessert planning a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate chips creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Cannoli Cookies is as easy as pie—well, easier than pie! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items you probably already have in your pantry.

For the Cookies:

• 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 (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! There are plenty of ways to customize your Cannoli Cookies to suit your tastes.

• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped pistachios or walnuts into the ricotta filling for extra crunch.
• Change the Chips: Swap out mini chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a different twist!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies don’t stick during baking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air into your mixture, giving your cookies a nice texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle!

Step 5: Make the Ricotta Filling

In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until smooth. This filling is what makes these Cannoli Cookies truly special!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Placing them on your prepared baking sheet then flattening them slightly ensures they bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely delightful!

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow those delicious cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly!

Step 9: Assemble

Once cooled completely, spread about a teaspoon of your ricotta filling on one cookie’s flat side and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this step until all cookies are assembled.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Cannoli Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing but trust me; you might want to keep them all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies

Making Cannoli Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature allows them to blend more seamlessly, creating a smoother dough and a fluffier cookie.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cookies’ tenderness. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, which isn’t what we want.

• Chill the dough if possible – If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Experiment with fillings – While this recipe features a delicious ricotta filling, feel free to get creative! Try adding different spices or even citrus zest for a unique twist.

• Store properly – Keep your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming stale.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

These delightful Cannoli Cookies not only taste amazing but also make for an appealing dessert display. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances the presentation.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top gives an extra layer of flavor and makes the cookies look irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream – Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of warm and cold, creamy and crunchy textures.
• Coffee or espresso – The rich flavors of coffee or espresso complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making for a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
• Milk or non-dairy alternatives – A tall glass of milk (or almond/soy milk) is always a classic option that pairs beautifully with any cookie, providing that comforting touch.

Enjoy these wonderful Cannoli Cookies as a treat any day of the week, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy their delightful flavors whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover filling, keep it in the refrigerator in a separate container for up to one week.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze the cookies without the filling and assemble just before serving.

Reheating

• If you want to enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make the cookies chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cannoli Cookies:

Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta in Cannoli Cookies?

While ricotta is traditional, you can experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese as alternatives. Just be mindful of texture changes.

How should I store my Cannoli Cookies?

Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, consider freezing them without the filling.

Can I make Cannoli Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and even bake them a day in advance. Just fill them right before serving for maximum freshness.

What makes these Cannoli Cookies special?

These Cannoli Cookies offer a delightful blend of creamy ricotta filling and crispy cinnamon-sugar cookies, making them a unique treat that’s sure to impress!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Cannoli Cookies as much as I do! They bring a touch of Italian charm right into your home and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s for a dessert after dinner or an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!