Cannoli Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends, these Cannoli Cookies are just the ticket! Imagine the classic flavors of an Italian cannoli transformed into a cookie. The combination of creamy ricotta filling sandwiched between two crispy, cinnamon-sugar cookies is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

I love making these Cannoli Cookies because they are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor that everyone adores. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just about 30 minutes of prep time. Perfect for those evenings when you need a sweet treat without the fuss!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet ricotta filling and crunchy exterior. They make for a fun baking activity together!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can whip up these cookies ahead of time and store them for whenever you need a quick dessert fix.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and creamy filling create a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or just an afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! These items are easy to find, and many may already be in your kitchen.

For the Cookie 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 Ricotta 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

This Cannoli Cookies recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the ricotta filling for a bright twist on flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the cookie dough for added texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese to make this treat suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Flavorful Extracts: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract in the cookie dough for a unique flavor profile!

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Beating air into this mixture helps create tender cookies!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg adds moisture while the vanilla enhances the cookies’ flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here; you want soft cookies!

Step 6: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

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

Step 7: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball in your cinnamon-sugar mixture created from 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This adds sweetness on top of that lovely spice!

Step 8: Place on Baking Sheet

Arrange your cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly while maintaining their shape.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to drier cookies.

Step 10: Cool and Assemble

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of that delicious ricotta filling on one flat side of each cookie before making sandwiches with another cookie!

These Cannoli Cookies will soon become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies

Making Cannoli Cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting helps create a smoother batter and results in lighter cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing until just combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough, ensuring they remain tender and enjoyable.
• Chill the filling – Refrigerating the ricotta filling for about 30 minutes before using it makes it easier to spread, plus it enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to swap out mini chocolate chips with other tasty additions like chopped nuts or dried fruits for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Store cookies properly – To maintain freshness, store your filled Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep them soft and preserves the delicious filling.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

These scrumptious Cannoli Cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various delightful ways that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chocolate drizzle – A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the assembled cookies provides a beautiful finish and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy element to your dessert table.
• Vanilla ice cream – Serving Cannoli Cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious combination, allowing guests to enjoy both textures and flavors together.
• Coffee or espresso – A warm cup of coffee or espresso complements these cookies beautifully, balancing their sweet richness with its robust flavor profile.

With these serving suggestions, your Cannoli Cookies will not only taste divine but also look absolutely stunning on any dessert platter! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Their delightful flavors and textures make them an excellent treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unfilled cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
• You can also freeze filled cookies; however, it’s best to fill them just before serving for optimal texture.

Reheating

• To refresh your cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave them for about 10 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Cannoli Cookies that might help you out!

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

While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a creamier filling. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I ensure my Cannoli Cookies stay crispy?

To keep your Cannoli Cookies crispy, store them uncovered at room temperature. If filled, enjoy them within a day or two for the best texture.

Can I make Cannoli Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough and freeze it before baking. Or bake the cookies ahead and store them as mentioned above.

What variations can I try with Cannoli Cookies?

Feel free to experiment by adding orange zest or swapping chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit. Each variation brings a unique twist!

How long do Cannoli Cookies last after baking?

Cannoli Cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor their deliciousness throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Cannoli Cookies! They’re such a special treat that brings together the best of classic flavors in a fun and accessible way. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!