Cannoli Cookies: A Sweet Italian-Inspired Delight Recipe

If you’re a fan of the rich, creamy flavors of cannoli, you’re in for a treat. These Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. The idea for this recipe came after I visited a charming Italian bakery in the heart of Little Italy. I couldn’t help but think about how wonderful it would be to capture the essence of cannoli in a cookie form. You get all the flavors of the traditional cannoli, including that delicious ricotta filling, in a bite-sized, easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need something for the holidays, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

So, why should you try these Cannoli Cookies? Because they are easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and bring a little piece of Italy right to your kitchen. Keep reading to find out more about how these little delights come together.

Why I Love This Recipe

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Who doesn’t love a good cookie? Now, imagine a cookie that tastes like a traditional Italian cannoli but is so much easier to enjoy. That’s why I absolutely love this recipe. The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and ricotta cheese in these Cannoli Cookies creates a flavor profile that is uniquely comforting and luxurious.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. The dough is buttery and soft, yet it holds up beautifully when baked. It’s not too sweet, making it the perfect canvas for the ricotta filling. And the ricotta filling itself is not overly creamy, giving you that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, you can top them with mini chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even crushed pistachios for added crunch.

These cookies bring the traditional Italian dessert into a more approachable and bite-sized form. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of cannoli without dealing with the hassle of frying or making cannoli shells. The best part? These cookies have a homemade touch that makes them even more special than the bakery version.

Ingredients for Cannoli Cookies

To make these Cannoli Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure.
• Ricotta cheese: The key ingredient that brings that signature cannoli flavor.
• Vanilla extract: For a fragrant and smooth flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that pairs wonderfully with the ricotta.
• Mini chocolate chips (optional): A fun addition that adds texture and extra sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the finished cookies and giving them a beautiful presentation.

These ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a cookie that feels like a special treat. You can find most of these ingredients in any well-stocked grocery store, and many of them are likely already in your pantry!

How Much Time Will You Need

Making these Cannoli Cookies is easy and doesn’t take too much time. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes. This includes measuring the ingredients, mixing the dough, and preparing the ricotta filling.
• Chill Time: 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes. You’ll need just a short time to bake the cookies to golden perfection.
• Total Time: 55 minutes (with chill time).

In less than an hour, you’ll have a batch of warm, soft, and perfectly golden Cannoli Cookies ready to enjoy. It’s a great recipe if you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests or family with something homemade.

How to Make These Cannoli Cookies

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making these irresistible Cannoli Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until combined. You should have a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Step 6: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. This will make it easier to handle.

Step 7: Once chilled, scoop the dough into small tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Press each ball slightly with your fingers to flatten them.

Step 8: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges.

Step 9: While the cookies are baking, make the ricotta filling. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Step 10: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small amount of the ricotta filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.

Step 11: Dust with powdered sugar or top with mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios, if desired. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this recipe a little different or need to swap out certain ingredients, here are a few substitutions that can make this recipe even better:

• Ricotta cheese: If you’re not a fan of ricotta or want a smoother texture, mascarpone cheese works as a fantastic substitute. It’s creamy and rich, with a similar mild flavor to ricotta.
• Butter: If you want a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter as a substitute.
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use in place of one egg.
• Granulated sugar: You can swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural, less processed option.
• Mini chocolate chips: If you want to go a little more traditional, try swapping the chocolate chips with a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel for a classic Italian touch.

Feel free to get creative with these substitutions to cater to dietary preferences or to add your personal twist to this already amazing recipe!

Best Side Dish for Cannoli Cookies

While these Cannoli Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with the perfect side dish can elevate your dessert experience even more. Here are three great side dish options:

1. Espresso or Coffee: A nice cup of espresso or strong coffee is a great complement to the sweetness of the cookies. The bitter notes of the coffee contrast beautifully with the sugary, creamy cookies.
2. Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or citrus slices (like orange or lemon) balances the richness of the cookies. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Italian Ricotta Cheesecake: If you want to double down on Italian desserts, an Italian ricotta cheesecake will make for a decadent pairing. Its creamy texture and light flavor are the perfect match for the Cannoli Cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your Cannoli Cookies can make them even more irresistible. Here are some tips for serving and presenting them like a pro:

• Dust with powdered sugar: After assembling the cookies, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a lovely touch of sweetness but also makes them look more elegant.
• Chocolate drizzle: For a little extra flair, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the cookies. You can use dark chocolate for a more sophisticated look or white chocolate for a lighter contrast.
• Serving on a platter: Place the cookies on a beautiful serving platter. For a more festive touch, consider using a vintage-style platter to enhance the Italian theme. Add some decorative parchment paper or napkins underneath for added elegance.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios: If you’re feeling extra, garnish the sides of the cookies with crushed pistachios. The green color adds vibrancy, and the crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

These little touches will not only make the cookies more delightful to eat but also more impressive to serve at any gathering.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To take your Cannoli Cookies to the next level, try these helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together, and then stop.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and ensures the cookies hold their shape when baked.
• Use fresh ricotta: Fresh ricotta gives the cookies a much richer and creamier filling than store-bought, pre-packaged ricotta. If you can, look for a local Italian market or deli that sells freshly made ricotta.
• Test your oven temperature: Ovens can sometimes run hotter or cooler than the temperature setting. To ensure your cookies are baked perfectly, consider using an oven thermometer to double-check that it’s at the correct temperature.
• Try different flavorings: If you’re looking to mix things up, add a dash of almond extract or orange zest to the ricotta filling for a different flavor profile. These small adjustments can give the cookies a unique twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making these Cannoli Cookies is fairly straightforward, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip the chilling step, the dough may be too soft to handle properly, and the cookies might spread too much during baking. Make sure to give it time in the fridge.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking them will make them dry, which isn’t the desired texture.
• Not sealing the cookies properly: When assembling the cookies, be sure to press the edges together gently so the ricotta filling stays in place. If the cookies aren’t sealed properly, the filling may ooze out.
• Using low-quality ricotta: Not all ricotta cheese is made equal. Using a low-quality ricotta can result in a less flavorful filling. Opt for high-quality ricotta to achieve the best taste.
• Using too much filling: While it’s tempting to overstuff these cookies with ricotta filling, a little goes a long way. Too much filling can make the cookies difficult to eat and may overwhelm the flavor.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your Cannoli Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

How to Store It

These Cannoli Cookies can be stored and enjoyed later, but you’ll need to follow a few simple storage guidelines to keep them fresh:

• Room temperature storage: If you plan to eat the cookies within a day or two, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking to each other.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. The ricotta filling needs to be refrigerated, so this will help preserve the freshness of the cookies. They should last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the fridge or at room temperature.

By following these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Cannoli Cookies for longer and savor their fresh, delightful taste whenever you crave them.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cannoli Cookies, along with answers to help you out:

1. Can I make these Cannoli Cookies gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour blend you use is suitable for baking cookies.
2. Can I use a store-bought ricotta filling instead of making my own?
   • While you can use store-bought ricotta filling, homemade ricotta is always the better option for both flavor and texture. It’s simple to make and gives your cookies that fresh, homemade touch.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also assemble the cookies in advance and refrigerate them, though they are best served fresh.
4. Can I use a different filling for these cookies?
   • Absolutely! While the classic ricotta filling is what makes Cannoli Cookies so special, you can experiment with other fillings, like mascarpone cheese, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream.
5. Why do my cookies spread too much?
   • If your cookies spread too much, it’s usually because the dough was too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and always preheat your oven.

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