Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you love the creamy, sweet charm of Italian desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for these Cannoli Cookies. This delightful twist on the classic cannoli captures all the luscious ricotta filling and cinnamon-sugar goodness, but in a perfectly chewy cookie sandwich form. Cannoli Cookies combine tender, buttery dough with a cinnamon-sugared exterior and a rich, chocolate-studded ricotta filling that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday gathering or just a special treat to brighten your day, these cookies are as comforting as they are festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe just right is all about a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and achieving the ideal texture, making these Cannoli Cookies truly unforgettable.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their tender crumb and structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft instead of dense.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors without making the cookies taste salty.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and helps create the cookie’s perfect texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: The star of the filling; creamy and mild, it makes these cookies special.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without graininess.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a gentle, aromatic spice in the filling.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate happiness mixed right into the ricotta filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookie surface a sweet crunch.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): Adds a lovely spice extra that pairs beautifully with the sugar coating.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, giving you a consistent texture across each cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes and is the secret to cookies with a tender yet chewy bite. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle and stop as soon as the dough forms a cohesive ball. This is the base of your Cannoli Cookies dough—rich, soft, and ready for the fun part.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. This filling brings that classic cannoli flavor in a quick, no-mess way. The mini chocolate chips dispersed in the creamy ricotta add texture and bursts of chocolate that truly elevate the cookie sandwiches.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookie Dough

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture made from 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This step creates the delightful crispy, sweet coating that’s reminiscent of classic Italian pastries, adding a lovely contrast to the soft interior.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. This ensures the cookies hold a tender bite and crisp edges, perfect for sandwiching with the cheesecake-like filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Cannoli Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of your luscious ricotta filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. This final step transforms your cookies into a mouthwatering Italian-inspired treat that’s full of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

Garnishes

To make your Cannoli Cookies even more eye-catching and flavorful, consider dipping the edges in melted chocolate or sprinkling chopped pistachios on the exposed ricotta filling. A dusting of additional powdered sugar before serving can also add a snowy, festive touch that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of strong espresso or a latte, creating a classic Italian coffee break atmosphere. For a non-caffeinated option, a glass of cold milk or a mild herbal tea complements the richness of the cookies perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cannoli Cookies on a decorative platter layered with fresh mint leaves or citrus zest to bring out their bright flavors visually. For parties, arrange them in colorful cupcake liners or stack them atop a tiered dessert tray for a tempting display that invites your guests to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies maintain their chewy texture well, but the ricotta filling is best enjoyed fresh to avoid moisture softening the cookie exterior.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cooled, unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw before filling to preserve the perfect cookie texture without sogginess.

Reheating

To warm your Cannoli Cookies slightly, place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cookies overly soft. Add the ricotta filling after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta cheese?

Absolutely! Mascarpone will make the filling even creamier and richer. Just keep the sweetness and cinnamon balanced to maintain that classic cannoli flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing. Also, chilling the dough briefly before rolling can help keep the cookie shape intact during baking.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based ricotta or soft tofu for the filling. Adjust sweetness and texture accordingly.

Are Cannoli Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To adapt, swap in a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but keep an eye on texture and adjust moisture if needed.

What’s the best way to serve these cookies at a party?

Arrange them on a beautiful platter with some decorative elements like fresh berries or mint. Provide small plates and napkins because these sandwich cookies can be delightfully messy but well worth it!

Final Thoughts

These Cannoli Cookies are one of those rare treats that manage to feel both indulgently special and wonderfully accessible. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for another before you know it. Give this recipe a whirl and share the joy of classic Italian flavors transformed into a cookie that everyone will love. You’re going to adore every bite!

Print