Why Make This Recipe
Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert. They combine the rich flavors of cannoli with the convenience of a cookie. If you love the creamy vanilla filling and the crunch of chocolate chips found in classic cannoli, you’ll adore these cookies. They are fun to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
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 the 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.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 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 the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten 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 with another cookie.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies
Serve Cannoli Cookies at room temperature. They make a wonderful dessert for parties, family gatherings, or simply a sweet treat with coffee or tea. You can also dust them with extra powdered sugar before serving for a nice touch.
How to Store Cannoli Cookies
Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Don’t skip letting the cookies cool before adding the filling; this helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Feel free to adjust the mini chocolate chips based on your taste preference.
Variation
You can switch up the flavors by adding different ingredients to the ricotta filling, like mascarpone cheese for a richer taste or using flavored extracts such as almond or orange.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to three months. Just thaw and fill them when you’re ready to enjoy.
3. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Cannoli Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful twist on traditional Italian cannoli, combining creamy vanilla filling and chocolate chips in a 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 the 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.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 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 the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten 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 with another cookie.
Notes
Let the cookies cool before adding the filling to maintain their shape. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
