Cannoli Cookies
Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that we all know and love. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with hints of rich ricotta and sweet chocolate chips, all enveloped in a warm cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies encapsulate the essence of traditional cannoli in a fun and accessible format. An easy recipe that can be followed step-by-step, these Cannoli Cookies are perfect for gatherings, family dessert nights, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home.
The beauty of Cannoli Cookies lies in their ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia while offering a new, playful way to enjoy a beloved dessert. Their irresistible flavor and easy preparation make them a must-try. If you’re looking for a cookie that combines creativity with tradition, continue reading to discover why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Cannoli Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. With minimal ingredients and straightforward methods, these cookies allow anyone to produce a delicious homemade treat without stress.
They are also family-friendly, making them ideal for baking with kids. The fun of rolling the dough and the excitement of filling the cookies provide an engaging activity for everyone involved. Plus, they come together quickly, so you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Cannoli Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of any great cookie, providing a light and chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that assures your cookies rise beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and gives them that lovely golden color.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients, ensuring they come together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, giving the cookies that classic cannoli filling flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling and makes it creamy.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides a warm spice that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds little bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the cookies.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies, creating a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): Enhances the cookie’s flavors and aroma.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined for an even dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips to create the delicious filling that will be nestled between the cookies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for that added sweetness.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass to achieve the perfect cookie shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Cannoli Cookies are as delightful as possible, consider these chef’s secrets:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature is ideal for achieving that ideal creamy consistency when creaming with sugar.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This will ensure that your cookies remain fluffy and tender.
- Chill the Dough: For even better texture and to help the cookies hold their shape, you might want to chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or different chocolate types for a unique twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the ricotta filling for a bright and refreshing flavor element.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cannoli Cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated in various ways. Serve them on a beautiful platter dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a true Italian experience. This cookie also goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making for a delectable dessert.
For special occasions, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top of the cookies or garnishing them with mini chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Nutritional Information
Each Cannoli Cookie is a delightful indulgence without being overly heavy. While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredient brands and portions, one cookie typically contains approximately 150-180 calories. They feature a balance of carbohydrates, fats from the butter, and protein from the ricotta cheese, presenting themselves as a balanced treat for occasional indulgence.
Storing Tips & Variations for Cannoli Cookies
To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For long-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months; simply thaw and bake as directed. If you want to make them a little healthier, consider swapping half the butter for unsweetened applesauce, reducing the sugar, or using whole wheat flour for extra nutrients.
Creative variations can include adding orange zest to the ricotta filling or exchanging chocolate chips for dried cranberries for a fruity spin!
Conclusion for Cannoli Cookies
There you have it—Cannoli Cookies that encapsulate all the delightful flavors of traditional cannoli in a simple cookie format. With their chewy texture and creamy filling, these cookies are bound to impress friends and family alike. So why wait? Gather your ingredients today and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible delights!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! You can make the ricotta filling a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill your cookies.
2. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or cream cheese as alternatives, but keep in mind that flavors will differ slightly.
3. Are these cookies safe for kids?
Absolutely! Cannoli Cookies contain no alcohol or harmful ingredients, making them a great treat for all ages.
4. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
5. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Cannoli Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides a light and chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder A leavening agent for rising.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens cookies and gives golden color.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips Adds sweetness and texture.
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Star ingredient for cannoli flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sweetens and makes filling creamy.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Provides a warm spice.
For Coating and Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) Creates a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling) Enhances flavors and aroma.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips to create the filling.
Assembly
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on one cookie and sandwich with another.