Cannoli Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic Italian desserts with an easy-to-make cookie, these Cannoli Cookies are just what you need! They bring a smile to everyone’s face with their crispy edges and creamy ricotta filling. I love making these cookies for family gatherings or when friends come over—there’s something special about sharing a sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and comforting.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply want to indulge on a busy weeknight, these Cannoli Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be reaching for another!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip these up in no time.
• Family-friendly treat: Kids and adults alike love the crunch and creaminess, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the cookies in advance and fill them right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of cinnamon-sugar cookies and rich ricotta filling will leave your taste buds dancing!
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cannoli Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious dessert!

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
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun variations to try if you’re feeling adventurous:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pistachios into the filling for an extra crunch.
• Change the chocolate: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate chips to mix things up.
• Use flavored ricotta: Try using lemon- or orange-flavored ricotta for a zesty twist!
• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cookie dough for an aromatic flavor.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that our cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown. While that’s heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first not only combines them well but also helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, creating a lovely texture in your cookies. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so don’t worry if there are still a few lumps!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes our Cannoli Cookies so special!

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. This gives our cookies that irresistible sweet crust.

Step 7: Flatten Slightly

Place each ball onto the baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly using the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread evenly while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until their edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—just wait until you see how good they look!

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is important because it lets them set up nicely without breaking apart.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, spread about a teaspoon of that delicious ricotta filling on one flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this with all cookies until they’re all filled!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Cannoli Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies

Making these Cannoli Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the dough: If your cookie dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll and shape without sticking.
• Use fresh ricotta: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh ricotta cheese. This will enhance the creaminess of the filling and give your cookies that authentic cannoli experience.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Experiment with fillings: While we love the mini chocolate chips in our filling, feel free to swap them out for chopped nuts or dried fruits. This adds variety and lets you customize flavors to your liking!
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, assemble them just before serving so they remain crisp.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

These Cannoli Cookies are delightful on their own but can be presented in various ways for a beautiful dessert display.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the assembled cookies creates an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the cannoli cookies.
• Espresso or coffee: The bold flavors of espresso or coffee make a perfect pairing with these sweet treats, enhancing their rich flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies offers a delightful balance of temperature and texture.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a luscious topping that’s both light and delicious.

Serve these Cannoli Cookies at your next gathering, and watch everyone fall in love with this Italian-inspired treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cannoli Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cannoli Cookies.

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta in Cannoli Cookies?

Yes! While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute it with mascarpone or even cream cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s well-mixed with the powdered sugar and cinnamon!

How do I make Cannoli Cookies without eggs?

You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then use it as a substitute in your cookie dough.

What can I do if my Cannoli Cookies are too dry?

If your cookie dough turns out too dry, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water, mixing until combined. This should help achieve the desired consistency!

How long do Cannoli Cookies last?

When stored properly, Cannoli Cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, they will maintain their quality for about 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Cannoli Cookies! They offer a unique twist on a classic dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and feel free to share your own variations. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter!