Table of Contents
Introduction about Cannoli Cookies
Have you ever tasted a classic Italian cannoli and found yourself captivated by its creamy filling and crispy shell? Now, imagine that delight transformed into a cookie form! Welcome to the world of Cannoli Cookies—where every bite offers the same exquisite flavors and textures of the beloved Italian pastry, but with the ease of a cookie.
This recipe is not just simple; it’s a delightful twist that will have your friends and family begging for more. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just looking to satisfy a sweet craving at home, these cookies are the perfect addition to any dessert spread. Packed with ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon, Cannoli Cookies bring a personal touch that elevates them above ordinary treats.
Key Benefits of Cannoli Cookies
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ricotta cheese and chocolate chips creates a winning taste.
- Easily Made: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time.
- Quick Baking Time: Enjoy fresh cookies in just about 15 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these unique treats.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients without breaking the bank.
What makes it stand out
Cannoli Cookies are unlike any ordinary cookie, blending the traditional cannoli flavors that we all love into a delightful, chewy treat. Their customization options are endless; feel free to incorporate your favorite nuts or dried fruits. These cookies can be dressed up for special occasions or kept simple for everyday enjoyment. Plus, they are fantastic all year round, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Cannoli Cookies
Complete ingredient list with measurements
To make irresistible Cannoli Cookies, gather the following 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)
Substitutes and alternatives
If you have specific dietary needs or ingredient limitations, here are some potential substitutes:
- Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Butter replacements: Coconut oil or vegan butter can be used in lieu of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version.
- Different sweeteners: For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or honey as a sweetener. Just remember to adjust the consistency.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies – Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 – Prep your workspace and ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2 – Whisk dry ingredients together
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed. This step is crucial for ensuring that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 3 – Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will be.
Step 4 – Add egg and vanilla
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix again until fully incorporated. Both the egg and vanilla contribute essential moisture and flavor to your cookies.
Step 5 – Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your butter-sugar mixture. Slowly mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix here, as this can lead to denser cookies.
Step 6 – Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. This delicious filling will elevate your Cannoli Cookies, bringing an authentic touch to this modern treat.
Step 7 – Roll the cookie dough
Using your hands, roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. This size is perfect for a bite-sized treat! Then, roll each ball in a mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Step 8 – Bake the cookies
Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9 – Cool the cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time will help them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Step 10 – Assemble the Cannoli Cookies
After your cookies are cool, take a teaspoon of the ricotta filling and spread it on the flat side of one cookie. Sandwich it with another cookie to create the perfect Cannoli cookie experience. Repeat this with the remaining cookies until all have been filled.
Serving Suggestions for Cannoli Cookies
Best occasions to serve this dish
Cannoli Cookies are versatile for every occasion. Delight your family at a weekend gathering, impress guests at a dinner party, or simply treat yourself on a cozy afternoon. They’re also perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter, offering a different approach to traditional desserts.
What to serve with it
Pair your Cannoli Cookies with a cup of coffee for a classic dessert experience, or indulge in a tall glass of milk for a fun twist. These cookies are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.
Storing Cannoli Cookies Properly
Best storage practices
To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks.
Reheating and freezing tips
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Be cautious not to overheat them. For longer storage, you can freeze unfilled cookies. For best results, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tips & Tricks for Cannoli Cookies
Mistakes to avoid
- Over-mixing the dough: Be careful not to overwork the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
- Incorrect baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking will result in a gooier texture.
- Not letting them cool: Skipping the cooling step before filling the cookies can cause the filling to melt.
Extra tips for better results
- Chill the dough: If you find your dough too soft, chilling it for about 30 minutes in the fridge will make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding orange zest or almonds to the filling for a different twist.
- Presentation: Dust the filled cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Recipe Variations of Cannoli Cookies
Creative twists
Experimenting with flavors can bring new life to your Cannoli Cookies! Add seasonal spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist. For a summer treat, try incorporating fresh berries into the ricotta filling.
Dietary adjustments
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, there are several ways to enjoy Cannoli Cookies:
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan ricotta and coconut oil to keep it dairy-free.
- Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the recipe fully vegan.
Conclusion about Cannoli Cookies
In summary, these Cannoli Cookies are not just easy to make—they deliver an incredible flavor experience that’s sure to impress. They are perfect for every occasion, whether a festive gathering or just a quiet evening at home. I encourage you to try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!
FAQs about Cannoli Cookies
What if it doesn’t turn out right?
Don’t fret! If your Cannoli Cookies don’t turn out as expected, identify the problem. If they’re too dry, it might be due to overbaking. If they spread too much, consider chilling the dough before baking.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The filling can also be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge.
What are the best ingredient substitutions?
Common ingredient substitutions include using gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, or a plant-based milk. Each substitution will affect texture slightly, so experimentation is key.
How long can it be stored?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Cannoli Cookies can last up to a week. Refrigerated, they can stay fresh for about two weeks.
Can I use store-bought dough or crust?
While we recommend this homemade version for the best taste, you can use pre-made cookie dough in a pinch, keeping in mind that the final flavor will differ.
Is this recipe kid-friendly or family-appropriate?
Absolutely! Kids love cookies, and Cannoli Cookies are particularly enjoyable because of their sweet flavor and fun filling.
Can I make this recipe allergen-free?
Yes, this recipe can be adjusted to be allergen-free—just swap out any ingredients that could pose a risk, such as gluten and dairy, using alternatives appropriate for your dietary needs.
Cannoli Cookies
Equipment
- Bol à mélanger
- Batteur électrique
- Plaque à pâtisserie
- Papier sulfurisé
Ingredients
Pâte à biscuits
- ½ cup beurre ramolli
- ½ cup sucre blanc
- ¼ cup cassonade
- 1 œuf
- ½ cup ricotta égouttée
- 1 cuillère à café extrait de vanille
- 1 cuillère à café zeste d’orange finement râpé
- 1 ½ cups farine tout usage
- 1 cuillère à café levure chimique
- ¼ cuillère à café sel
- ½ cup pépites de chocolat mini
Décoration (facultative)
- 2 cuillères à soupe poudre de sucre glace pour saupoudrer
- pépites de chocolat supplémentaires pour garnir le dessus
Instructions
- Préchauffer le four à 180 °C et tapisser une plaque de papier sulfurisé.
- Dans un grand bol, battre le beurre, le sucre blanc et la cassonade jusqu’à obtenir une texture légère et crémeuse.
- Incorporer l’œuf, la ricotta, la vanille et le zeste d’orange. Bien mélanger.
- Dans un autre bol, combiner la farine, la levure et le sel. Ajouter au mélange humide et remuer jusqu’à homogénéité.
- Incorporer les mini pépites de chocolat.
- Déposer des cuillerées de pâte sur la plaque et aplatir légèrement. Cuire 10 à 12 minutes, jusqu’à ce que les bords soient légèrement dorés.
- Laisser refroidir sur une grille puis saupoudrer de sucre glace avant de servir.