Delicious homemade cannoli cookies with creamy filling and chocolate chips

Cannoli Cookies Recipe

ByAnika Bloom
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Why Make This Recipe

Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, bringing both flavor and texture in every bite. If you’re searching for an easy yet impressive treat, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are especially great for holiday baking, such as Christmas, where the flavors can elevate your dessert table. Plus, they make for an excellent choice of Italian sweet snacks to accompany your meal or to enjoy during gatherings 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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. 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

These cookies are perfect for serving at any gathering or holiday celebration. Plate them alongside your favorite Italian layered cookies as part of a dessert spread. They also make a lovely addition to Christmas sweets, especially when paired with holiday drinks. Enjoy them fresh or let guests assemble their sandwiches for a fun, interactive dessert option.

How to Store Cannoli Cookies

To keep your cannoli cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfilled cookies and the ricotta filling separately. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and assemble!

Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies

  1. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling.
  2. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add different flavors or mix-ins according to your taste. Dried fruits or nuts work well too!
  3. Perfect for Holidays: Use festive cookie cutters or sprinkle seasonal decor to make them even more special for Christmas baking ideas.

Variation

Try adding different flavors of extract, like almond or orange, to the ricotta filling for a unique twist. You can also substitute the mini chocolate chips for candied fruits to add a traditional Sicilian touch to your cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble them just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use fat-free ricotta cheese?
You can use fat-free ricotta cheese, but full-fat ricotta will provide a creamier filling.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Ensure your butter is softened but not too warm. If necessary, chill the cookie dough before baking to maintain shape.

Delicious homemade cannoli cookies with creamy filling and chocolate chips

Cannoli Cookies

Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for any occasion, especially during holiday baking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ricotta Filling Ingredients
  • 0.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 0.25 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 cups mini chocolate chips
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
Baking
  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  2. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembly
  1. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.

Notes

Store cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies and ricotta filling separately.

Anika Bloom
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