Hey there, sweet friend! Ready to dive into another baking adventure? Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines the classic flavors of an Italian favorite with the packaging of a cookie. Yes, I’m talking about Cannoli Cookies! These little gems are like tiny bites of happiness, giving you the creamy, rich taste of traditional cannoli but in a fun and easy cookie form. So grab your measuring cups and let’s create something truly special together!
Why Make This Recipe
You might be wondering why you should opt for Cannoli Cookies over the classic cannoli. Well, let me tell you, these cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make! When you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want the hassle of filling pastry shells, this recipe is your golden ticket.
These cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can serve them at a get-together, share them with friends, or even enjoy them solo with a warm cup of coffee. The creamy ricotta filling paired with mini chocolate chips and a cinnamon-sugar coating makes these cookies an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to bring home the flavors of Italy without perfecting the art of cannoli-making. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand the magic of these Cannoli Cookies.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Let’s get to the juicy stuff! Making Cannoli Cookies is straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a blast. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking, and we all want perfectly formed cookies!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Set that aside for a moment while we work on the wet ingredients.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts! Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until everything is well integrated. This filling is going to make your cookies feel like a warm hug.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Just imagine how lovely these will smell while baking!
- Place those balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that lovely cookie shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Voila! You have a Cannoli Cookie that’s ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies
Serving Cannoli Cookies is part of the fun! You can pile them on a pretty plate and dust them with a little powdered sugar for a charming touch. These cookies are perfect for sharing at a party, bringing a smile to your family’s faces, or saving a few for your secret stash. And don’t forget about pairing them with a nice cup of coffee or hot cocoa, they’re the perfect complement.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider arranging them alongside other desserts for a sweet buffet. You could even use them as a delightful addition to a dessert table for special occasions. They’re a conversation piece that everyone will love!
How to Store Cannoli Cookies
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those tasty treats fresh. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their freshness even longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container so they don’t pick up any freezer smells. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be as good as new!
Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies
- Don’t skimp on the butter! Using softened butter helps achieve that creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup, then level it off. Avoid packing it down, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill the filling. If your ricotta mixture seems a bit loose, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help it firm up a bit before you sandwich it between cookies.
Variation
Want to mix things up? You could incorporate different flavors by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the ricotta filling. Not a fan of chocolate chips? Try adding chopped nuts or leave them out for a cleaner taste. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize these cookies to your liking!
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional ricotta will give you that creamy richness, low-fat ricotta works just fine if you’re looking for a lighter option.
2. Are Cannoli Cookies gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
3. What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No problem! You can use regular chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or even swap the chocolate for dried fruit or nuts to suit your taste.
So there you have it, my dear baking buddies! I hope you enjoy whipping up these delightful Cannoli Cookies as much as I do. With their rich flavor and charming appearance, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Print
Cannoli Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Cannoli Cookies combine the creamy, rich flavors of classic cannoli in a fun, easy 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 your 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. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well integrated.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to three months.
- 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: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg