Cannoli Cookies Recipe — get ready to fall in love with the irresistible magic of Italy in every bite! If you adore the creamy, dreamy filling of a classic cannoli but don’t want the fuss of frying, these cookies are about to rock your world.
You’ll taste that same rich ricotta sweetness, wrapped up in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. Let’s dive in and bring a taste of Sicily right to your table!
What are Cannoli?
Cannoli are a classic Italian pastry, originating from Sicily. They are made from tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese, sugar, and often flavored with vanilla or citrus zest. Though traditional cannoli are heavenly, they can be a bit tricky to make. That’s where cannoli cookies come in – they capture the essence of this beloved treat in an easier, cookie form.
The Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Cannoli Cookies
Creating cannoli cookies requires a handful of distinct ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a neat list:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies.
- Sugar: Both granulated and powdered sugar are essential. The granulated sugar sweetens the cookie, while powdered sugar is used for dusting.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient – opt for a good quality whole milk ricotta for best results.
- Eggs: These help bind the ingredients and give structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon can elevate the flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Optional but oh-so-delicious!
Here’s a quick table summarizing the main ingredients and their roles:
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Base structure for the cookie |
| Sugar | Sweetness and balance |
| Butter | Richness and moisture |
| Ricotta cheese | Creamy filling flavor |
| Eggs | Binder and structure |
| Vanilla extract | Flavor depth |
| Cinnamon | Flavor enhancer |
| Chocolate chips | Extra sweetness and texture (optional) |
Step-by-Step Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Ready to bring your cannoli cookie dreams to life? Let’s get started! Here’s a simple recipe that’ll yield deliciously soft and flavorful cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key to ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. You wanna mix this until it’s fluffy and light. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Ricotta and Eggs
Next, add in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 large egg to your butter-sugar mix. Beat that mixture until it’s smooth. The ricotta brings that classic cannoli flavor, so don’t skimp here!
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, combining until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing as this can make cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Optional, but highly recommended! Fold in about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and texture. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each dollop, about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that authentic cannoli touch!
Tips for the Perfect Cannoli Cookies
Baking these cookies is simple, but a few tricks can help elevate them even further. Here are a few pro tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Go for high-quality ricotta cheese. It dramatically impacts the overall flavor.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It’ll be easier to work with.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them! Cookies will continue to firm up after they come out of the oven.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors! Almond extract, citrus zest, or even a splash of coffee can add unique twists.
Nutritional Insights: Cannoli Cookies
Who said delectable treats can’t be a part of a balanced diet? Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition for one cookie (assuming the recipe yields roughly 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 3.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
Keep in mind these values can change based on exact serving sizes and specific ingredient choices.
Storing and Freezing Cannoli Cookies
If you’ve made a big batch of cannoli cookies, you’ll surely want to keep some for later! Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature Storage
Cannoli cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This’ll keep them soft for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. Place the cookies in an airtight container and they can last about a week. Just be prepared for a slightly denser texture post-refrigeration.
Freezing
Want to save some for a crazy day when baking just isn’t an option? You can freeze unbaked cookie dough! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Creative Variations on Cannoli Cookies
Feeling adventurous? There’s so much you can do beyond the classic recipe! Here’s a few creative spins on your cannoli cookies:
- Pistachio Cannoli Cookies: Fold in finely chopped pistachios for an added crunch and authentic flavor.
- Mini Cannoli Sandwich Cookies: Make smaller cookies and sandwich some filling made of ricotta and powdered sugar in between!
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. There are many great options out there.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip the bottoms of the cookies into melted chocolate. Let them set for a truly indulgent treat!
Conclusion
Making cannoli cookies is a delightful way to bring Italy’s culinary charm to your kitchen. The blend of flavors and textures can satisfy your dessert cravings without the fuss of traditional cannoli. They’re versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. So go ahead and give this recipe a try! You’ll love the sweet nostalgia it brings, along with the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake.
Dig in, share ‘em, and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy baking!
