Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you adore classic Italian flavors but crave something quick and shareable, you are in for a treat with these delightful Cannoli Cookies. Imagine the creamy richness of ricotta mingling with sweet cinnamon sugar and mini chocolate chips all nestled between tender, buttery cookies. These Cannoli Cookies capture the essence of traditional cannoli in a playful, easy-to-make sandwich cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your cookie rotation and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Cannoli Cookies. Each component plays a special role, from the buttery dough to the creamy, sweet filling that makes every bite irresistible.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates a tender but sturdy cookie structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light lift for that perfect soft texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps make the dough easy to handle.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a lovely crumb.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: For the signature creamy, luscious filling that mirrors traditional cannoli.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the filling.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Ensures a sweet, slightly crunchy coating on the cookie exterior.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): Adds a fragrant, spicy sweetness to coat the dough balls.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet smoothly. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this mix is your dry foundation for a perfectly tender cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process traps air, creating a tender crumb and a slightly chewy texture that your Cannoli Cookies will adore. Adding the egg and vanilla extract next infuses the dough with moisture and a lovely scent that makes your kitchen smell like a dream.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually mix the dry flour mixture into your butter mixture. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender instead of tough. This balance is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture that melts on your tongue while holding the filling wonderfully.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until everything is beautifully combined. This creamy, lightly spiced filling is what gives Cannoli Cookies their signature character and a luscious, dreamy bite.

Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Flatten

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, spiced crust. Place the balls onto your baking sheet and gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass. This simple step creates the perfect shape for sandwiching the ricotta filling later.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until their edges turn a beautiful light golden color. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—cooling ensures your cookies hold the ricotta filling perfectly without melting it away.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cannoli Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. This final step transforms them from simple cookies into the delectable Cannoli Cookies we all crave.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, dust your Cannoli Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving or roll the edges of the filling in crushed pistachios. These garnishes add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the whole experience.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso or cappuccino, enhancing their authentic Italian vibes. Alternatively, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a fun dessert platter that guests will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cannoli Cookies on a decorative platter with small bowls of extra ricotta filling, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate chips, letting guests create their own cookie sandwiches. Another idea is to stack them in a clear jar tied with a pretty ribbon for a charming gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the ricotta filling fresh and the cookies from becoming stale. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls (before baking) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes of cooking time. Avoid freezing assembled cookies as the filling’s texture changes.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat the sandwiched Cannoli Cookies in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes, but be cautious not to melt the filling too much. Alternatively, enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge, as the cool filling is part of their charm.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta for the filling?

Yes, part-skim ricotta works fine if you want a lighter filling, but whole milk ricotta delivers the creamiest, richest taste that perfectly complements the cookies.

How long do Cannoli Cookies stay fresh?

These cookies are best enjoyed within 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. The fresh ricotta filling doesn’t keep well past that time, so it’s best not to make too far ahead.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and look for a dairy-free ricotta substitute, but be aware that the texture and flavor might be slightly different from the traditional Cannoli Cookies experience.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

Chop regular chocolate chips or use chocolate chunks if those are what you have on hand. The texture will be a little different but just as delicious!

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour, you can make gluten-free Cannoli Cookies. Just check the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the right texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about capturing the spirit of classic cannoli in a cookie you can hold in your hand. These Cannoli Cookies offer a cozy, crunchy, creamy delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t recommend baking a batch soon enough—your friends and family will thank you for sharing this deliciously unique twist on an Italian favorite!

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