The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Cannoli cookies bring the delightful flavors of traditional Italian cannoli into a fun and easy-to-eat cookie format. These cookies are soft, sweet, and filled with a delicious ricotta cheese mixture, making them perfect for a dessert or a special treat. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to impress your family and friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) of unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups (360 g) of all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (240 g) of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (170 g) of mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (60 g) of powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until the dough just comes together.
6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips until well blended.
8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each dough ball.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
12. Fill each cookie with the ricotta filling and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

These cannoli cookies are best served fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They make a perfect dessert for any occasion, and you can enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, you can pair them with ice cream or serve them on a festive dessert platter.

How to Store Cannoli Cookies

To store your cannoli cookies, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to add the ricotta filling right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies

• Make sure to use room temperature butter for easy blending.
• Don’t skip refrigerating the dough; this helps achieve the right texture.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your preference.
• If you love nuts, consider adding chopped pistachios for added flavor.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding orange zest to the ricotta mixture. This will add a burst of citrus flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze cannoli cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies without the filling. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them before filling and serving.

2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese with mascarpone cheese for a richer filling or even cream cheese for a slightly different taste.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers feel soft but not doughy. They will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.

Cannoli Cookies

Cannoli cookies bring the delightful flavors of traditional Italian cannoli into a fun and easy-to-eat cookie format. These soft and sweet cookies are filled with a delicious ricotta cheese mixture, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter Make sure to use room temperature butter for easy blending.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese.
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips Feel free to adjust based on preference.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar For dusting before serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until it's light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until the dough just comes together.
6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Baking and Filling

1. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips until well blended.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each dough ball.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
6. Fill each cookie with the ricotta filling and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Add the ricotta filling right before serving for best flavor and texture. Consider adding chopped pistachios for added flavor, or orange zest to the ricotta for a citrus twist.