Cannoli Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of classic Italian indulgence with a fun twist, these Cannoli Cookies are an absolute must-try. Imagine a tender, cinnamon-sugar coated cookie with a luscious, creamy ricotta filling studded with mini chocolate chips, all sandwiched together in perfect harmony. These cookies are not only a celebration of texture and flavor but also a charming way to enjoy the beloved cannoli experience in a handheld, shareable form that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to form these Cannoli Cookies, each playing its part in building layers of flavor and irresistible texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and a tender crumb to the cookie.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides just enough leavening for a light, soft bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while assisting in creating a crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy star in the filling, delivering that signature cannoli smoothness.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the ricotta filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that compliments the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Infuses bursts of rich chocolate into the filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sweet, crisp coating on the cookie exterior.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): Blends with sugar to give the cookies a fragrant, inviting crust.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this mix helps distribute flavors and rise evenly throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, leading to tender cookies. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract to infuse flavor and help bind everything together.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend, stirring just until everything combines. Overmixing here could lead to dense cookies, so be gentle but thorough. When the dough comes together, it’s ready for shaping.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until you have a smooth, flavorful filling. This luscious mixture provides the signature creamy texture inside your Cannoli Cookies and a sweet, spiced contrast to the cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into one-inch balls. Each ball is then rolled in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, which will give the cookies a sweet and slightly crunchy crust. This delicious coating is key to adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges glow golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cannoli Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. This assembly step turns these treats into stunning Cannoli Cookies, capturing all the richness and crunch that make this treat unforgettable.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle Cannoli Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or finely chopped pistachios for a classy finish. A drizzle of melted chocolate over the assembled cookies not only looks fabulous but adds an extra chocolatey touch everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cannoli Cookies with a freshly brewed cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino to bring out the rich vanilla and cinnamon notes. For a refreshing contrast, a cold glass of milk or a citrus-infused iced tea works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Cannoli Cookies on a decorative platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. You can also stack them in a pyramid shape for a charming dessert centerpiece. Wrapping individual cookie sandwiches in parchment and tying with twine makes perfect homemade gifts too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Separating layers with parchment paper helps prevent sticking or smudging the delicate filling.
Freezing
You can freeze unassembled cookies and ricotta filling separately. Wrap cookie dough balls in plastic wrap and place the filling in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw and assemble for fresh-from-the-oven taste with minimal effort.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cannoli Cookies slightly warm, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes before assembling. Avoid microwaving after assembly, as it can disrupt the texture of the cream filling.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese for the filling?
Yes, part-skim ricotta works fine though whole milk ricotta provides a creamier texture and richer taste that is ideal for Cannoli Cookies.
How long do Cannoli Cookies stay fresh?
Freshly assembled Cannoli Cookies are best eaten within a day or two to enjoy the contrast of crisp cookie and creamy filling. Unassembled cookies can last longer, stored properly.
Can I substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped chocolate?
Definitely! Chopped chocolate pieces work just as well and create slightly larger pockets of melted chocolate inside the filling.
Is there a gluten-free version of these cookies?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but be prepared for some texture differences. Using a blend specifically for baking yields the best results for Cannoli Cookies.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the ricotta filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to let flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before assembling your cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Cannoli Cookies are such a joy to make and share—they bring a little slice of Italian magic right into your kitchen. The play of crispy cinnamon-sugar shells and velvety ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips is simply irresistible. Whether for a festive gathering, an afternoon treat, or just because you deserve a sweet moment, I can’t encourage you enough to give these a try and make them a new favorite in your recipe box.
Print
Cannoli Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 cookies (9–12 sandwiches) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cannoli Cookies combine the classic flavors of traditional Italian cannoli into a delightful cookie form. These soft and chewy cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with a sweet ricotta and chocolate chip mixture offer a unique twist on the beloved dessert, perfect for a comforting treat or an impressive dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined for a consistent dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintaining tenderness.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed and creamy.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Then, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon separately and roll each dough ball in this cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the outside.
- Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass for even baking and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage when filled.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie to create the signature cannoli cookie.
Notes
- For best results, use whole milk ricotta cheese which is creamier and richer for the filling.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Optional: Dust the finished sandwich cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
- This recipe yields about 18-24 cannoli cookies depending on the size of dough balls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies (1 sandwich)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Cannoli cookies, ricotta cookies, Italian dessert, cinnamon sugar cookies, ricotta filling, chocolate chip cookies
