As I watched my sister roll out dough for the classic Italian cannoli, I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be to capture that beloved flavor in a more manageable form. Enter my Cannoli Cookies! This delightful treat combines that crispy texture we adore in traditional cannoli with a luscious ricotta filling and playful chocolate chips, all in cookie form. Not only are these cookies a crowd-pleaser — they’re also a breeze to whip up, perfect for those busy afternoons when you crave a little sweetness without too much fuss. Just imagine enjoying these scrumptious treats with a hot cup of coffee or sharing them at your next gathering. Curious to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get baking! Why Are Cannoli Cookies a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: These cannoli cookies bring together the beloved flavors of traditional Italian cannoli with a modern twist, featuring creamy ricotta and rich chocolate chips. Quick and Easy: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion, whether entertaining guests or treating yourself after a long day. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With their unique flavor and easier-to-eat format, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike at your next gathering. Versatile Options: Customize your cookies with add-ins like dried fruit or citrus zest for a personal touch, or even try shaping them into festive forms! Pairs Perfectly: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, just like you would with classic cannoli, for a delightful afternoon snack. These cookies are destined to brighten your day! Cannoli Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; feel free to use gluten-free flour for a lighter option. Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to ensure fluffy cookies. Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; you can substitute with margarine if desired. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; consider coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. Large Eggs – Provide moisture and act as a binding agent. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor; almond extract works well for a different twist. For the Creamy Filling Ricotta Cheese – Delivers the signature creamy texture of cannoli; cottage cheese can be a great alternative. Mini Chocolate Chips – Add sweetness and delightful bursts of chocolate; replace with dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste. For the Topping Chopped Pistachios – Offers a crunchy texture and a pop of color; these are optional but recommended! Powdered Sugar – Dust on top before serving for an attractive finish and a touch of sweetness. With these Cannoli Cookies ingredients, you’re all set to create a treat that brings the joy of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen! Let’s get baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannoli Cookies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Cannoli Cookies don’t stick during baking. This preparation step sets you up for success and helps achieve that perfect crispy-edge texture we love. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture is crucial for providing structure to the cookies. Make sure to blend well until there are no lumps, creating a uniform base for your cookie dough. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated during this step gives your Cannoli Cookies a delightful texture. Gradually add in 2 large eggs, mixing one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until fully combined. Step 4: Combine with Ricotta Gently fold in 1 cup of ricotta cheese into the creamy butter and sugar mixture. This addition offers that signature creamy filling reminiscent of classic cannoli. Ensure the ricotta is smooth and well-incorporated, but take care not to overmix, as you want to maintain a tender dough for your Cannoli Cookies. Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, which could lead to denser cookies. The goal is a cohesive dough that still retains a slightly sticky texture, perfect for shaping your cookie dough bites. Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Pistachios Next, gently fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped pistachios into the dough. These elements will add delightful bursts of sweetness and crunchy texture to your Cannoli Cookies. Embrace the colors and textures as you prepare to scoop your dough! Step 7: Drop and Shape Cookies Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. This spacing is essential for even baking, ensuring all your Cannoli Cookies achieve that golden-brown hue. Step 8: Bake Time Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them starting at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking, as you want a perfect blend of crispiness and tenderness in your Cannoli Cookies. Step 9: Cool on Racks Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set before transferring them to wire racks, where they’ll cool completely. The cookies will firm up beautifully during this time. Step 10: Dust with Sugar Finally, before serving, dust the cooled Cannoli Cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. This step not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a delightful sweetness that complements the creamy filling. Enjoy your freshly baked treats! What to Serve with Cannoli Cookies? Elevate your Cannoli Cookies experience by pairing them with delightful accompaniments that balance flavors and enhance textures. Rich Espresso: The bold, robust flavor of espresso cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect harmony that dances on your palate. Vanilla Gelato: Creamy vanilla gelato offers a cool, silky contrast, bringing out the luscious ricotta filling while adding an indulgent touch. Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges and grapefruit provides a zesty brightness that complements the sweet, creamy cookies beautifully. Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate adds a luxurious finish, enhancing the chocolate chip flavor while creating an eye-catching presentation. Herbal Tea: Pair with a soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, for a calming experience that balances the cookies’ sweetness with gentle aromas. Pistachio Crumble: Sprinkle a pistachio crumble on top for an added crunch! This will echo the pistachios within the cookies, bringing texture to each bite. Allow your Cannoli Cookies to shine against these wonderful pairings, making every moment a delicious celebration! Make Ahead Options These Cannoli Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness while saving time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. For optimal results, scoop the dough onto your baking sheets and freeze them before baking—this way, when you’re ready to indulge, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Additionally, you can fill the cookies with ricotta and chocolate chips up to 3 days ahead, but be sure to dust them with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain that delightful finish. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delectable Cannoli Cookies on hand for any occasion without the last-minute rush! Cannoli Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to sprinkle your unique flair into these delicious Cannoli Cookies for even more delightful experiences! Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy. Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free ricotta alternative for a vegan-friendly option. The rich flavors remain intact even without dairy! Nut-Free: Omit the chopped pistachios; use sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely to keep it allergy-friendly. These cookies will still impress. Fruity Twist: Substitute mini chocolate chips with dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a lovely burst of sweetness. This variation adds a chewy texture to each bite. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist that brightens every mouthful. It’s a wonderful nod to the Italian roots! Chocolate Lovers: Substitute mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor profile. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta filling. Decorative Shapes: Feel free to shape the dough into festive forms, like hearts or stars, for special occasions. They’ll not only taste amazing but look spectacular, making them perfect for any celebration! Check out these options, and for a lighter dessert alternative, you might also enjoy Banana Oatmeal Cookies or dive into something indulgent like Cookies Cream Ice. Each variation can enhance your culinary adventure! How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookies Airtight Container: Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and flavor. Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them to keep them from getting too soft. They will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. Freezer: For longer storage, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Thawing: Allow cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back their delightful texture and flavor. Expert Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookies Butter Temperature: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures your Cannoli Cookies will be light and fluffy. Avoid Overmixing: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Watch the Bake Time: Check your cookies around the 12-minute mark to avoid burning. The ideal result should be lightly golden edges with a soft interior. Drain Ricotta: For the best texture, ensure your ricotta cheese is drained of excess moisture. This step prevents your filling from becoming too watery. Add Personal Touches: Feel free to experiment with flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist in your Cannoli Cookies. Cannoli Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of ricotta cheese should I use? For the best results, I recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese, as it has a rich and creamy texture that mimics the traditional filling found in cannoli. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent your cookies from becoming too soft. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese can work in a pinch, just blend it until smooth. How should I store my cannoli cookies? Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re in a warmer climate, refrigerating them can help maintain their texture and freshness, lasting about 2 weeks in the fridge. Remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience! Can I freeze cannoli cookies? Absolutely! To freeze your Cannoli Cookies, start by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying! What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? If your cookie dough feels excessively sticky, this can be due to the humidity or the moisture in your ricotta. To remedy this, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable dough consistency. Remember, the key is to keep the dough light and airy, so avoid excessive mixing! Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe? Yes! This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (from the all-purpose flour), dairy (from the ricotta and butter), and eggs. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk yogurt to replicate the creamy texture of ricotta. Always double-check labels to ensure safety! Delicious Cannoli Cookies That Will Make Your Day Brighter These Cannoli Cookies bring the delightful flavors of traditional Italian cannoli into cookie form, featuring a creamy ricotta filling and chocolate chips. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour1 teaspoon baking powder0.5 teaspoon salt0.5 cups unsalted butter softened0.75 cups granulated sugar or coconut sugar2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extractFor the Creamy Filling1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese0.5 cups mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunksFor the Topping0.25 cups chopped pistachios optional0.25 cups powdered sugar Equipment OvenMixing bowlsElectric mixerBaking SheetsParchment paperTablespoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined.Gently fold in 1 cup of ricotta cheese until smooth but do not overmix.Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped pistachios.Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 70mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigerate in warm climates for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
