Cannoli Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that’ll impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! These Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian cannoli. They feature a creamy ricotta filling sandwiched between two crispy, cinnamon-sugar cookies. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

What I love most about these Cannoli Cookies is how easy they are to prepare. You can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes of prep time, perfect for those busy days when you need a sweet treat.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they will enjoy assembling these tasty cookies together!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich ricotta filling combined with the warm cinnamon-sugar cookies creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy night at home, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Cannoli Cookies! Most of these items are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand.

For the Cookies

• 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 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Cannoli Cookies:

• Add Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the ricotta filling for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in some finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the filling for an extra layer of texture.
• Flavored Cookies: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in your cookie dough for a unique flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour for fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which will give your cookies their wonderful texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork it! We want our cookies tender.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

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

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This adds sweetness and flavor right from the start!

Step 7: Flatten Cookies

Place the rolled balls on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass—this helps them spread evenly while baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; we want them just right!

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps them firm up nicely.

Step 10: Assemble Your Treats

Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of your ricotta filling on one cookie’s flat side and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this until all your cookies are filled!

And there you have it! Enjoy sharing these delightful Cannoli Cookies with everyone around you—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies

Making Cannoli Cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make your baking even more enjoyable!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined ensures your cookies stay tender and don’t become tough.

• Chill the filling: If you have time, chilling the ricotta filling for about 30 minutes will help it firm up, making it easier to spread between the cookies.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add citrus zest or swap chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts to customize your Cannoli Cookies to your taste.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

Presenting your Cannoli Cookies beautifully can enhance their appeal, whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for a decadent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy beverage complements the flavors of the cannoli filling perfectly.
• Espresso or coffee: A warm cup of espresso or coffee balances out the sweetness and makes for a delightful pairing with dessert.
• Gelato: For an Italian flair, serve alongside a scoop of dairy-free gelato in any flavor you love!

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your Cannoli Cookies but also create a delightful experience for everyone who gets to enjoy these sweet treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cannoli Cookies are not only a delightful treat, but they also make for fantastic meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making them perfect for quick desserts or snacks.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the filled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cannoli Cookies that you might find helpful.

Can I make Cannoli Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

How do I store Cannoli Cookies?

Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use other fillings for my Cannoli Cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with different fillings like mascarpone cheese or even fruit preserves. The possibilities are endless!

What makes Cannoli Cookies different from traditional cannoli?

Cannoli Cookies combine all the flavors of traditional cannoli into a cookie format, featuring crispy cinnamon-sugar cookies with a creamy filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope this easy and delightful recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. These Cannoli Cookies are not just treats; they are little bundles of happiness that can brighten any day. Enjoy making these delicious cookies, and don’t hesitate to share them with loved ones — they’ll surely love every bite! Happy baking!