Cannoli Cookies are a delightful nod to the classic Italian dessert, bursting with creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips. These cookies bring together the essential flavors of cannoli in a fun, portable form, perfect for sharing or indulging by yourself. I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering, where they quickly became a favorite due to their unique texture and delicious flavor. Now, every holiday season, I whip up a batch of these cookies to spread joy and sweetness among friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cannoli Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate Italian heritage, especially during special occasions. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the delicious outcome. The combination of creamy ricotta, chocolate chips, and just the right amount of cinnamon creates a unique flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.

“Absolutely delicious! These cookies take mere minutes to make, and the ricotta filling is a game-changer. My family devoured them!”

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a cozy family brunch, or just a sweet end to a weeknight dinner, these cookies fit the bill. They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

How This Recipe Comes Together

The process for making Cannoli Cookies is straightforward and beginner-friendly, which is perfect for anyone who wants to treat themselves to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then mix in dry ingredients, and finally combine with a creamy filling bursting with flavor.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delightful cookies ready for baking. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each part, so it’s all smooth sailing from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is the first step to your delicious Cannoli Cookies. Here’s what you will need:

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)

Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts for a twist, or use dairy-free ricotta if you have dietary restrictions.

Directions to Follow

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 until well combined.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture 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 everything is well incorporated.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture made from the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly using the bottom of a glass.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.

Best Ways to Enjoy Cannoli Cookies

Serving these delicious Cannoli Cookies is just as fun as making them! Here are a few creative ideas:

Pair them with a cup of espresso or a warm glass of milk for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serve them on a decorative platter at your next family gathering or holiday party for a show-stopping dessert.
Dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

These cookies can easily be the star of any dessert spread or simply enjoyed with your favorite beverage.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before filling with the ricotta mixture.

For safe food handling, ensure the ricotta filling stays refrigerated if you have leftover cookies.

Pro Chef Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming; use room temperature butter for the best results.
You can also experiment with different fillings; try adding chopped pistachios or swapping in different flavored chips for a unique twist.
Ensure thorough mixing of your ricotta filling for a smooth texture.

Creative Twists You Might Try

Don’t be afraid to get inventive with your Cannoli Cookies! Here are some delicious variations:

Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds in the filling for a delightful crunch.
Flavored Cookies: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract to give the cookies a unique flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.

Common Questions

How long do these cookies last?

Cannoli Cookies can last up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If filled, it’s best to consume them within 3-4 days.

Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you need alternatives for dietary reasons.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.

With their delightful flavors and easy preparation, Cannoli Cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the sweet taste of Italy with every bite!

Cannoli Cookies

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful Cannoli Cookies inspired by the classic Italian dessert, filled with creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Scale

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 until well combined.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
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 incorporated.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly using the bottom of a glass.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.

Notes

To keep Cookies fresh, store in an airtight container for up to a week. Freeze unfrosted cookies 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: 100mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Cannoli, Italian dessert, cookies, sweet treats, holiday baking