Cannoli cookies have been a staple in my family for years, bringing the sweet, creamy magic of a classic cannoli into a perfectly portable cookie form. I remember my Nonna sneaking me one of her freshly made treats after school, the crisp shell giving way to a rich, sweet ricotta filling. Now, I’ve adapted that beloved flavor into this easy cannoli cookie recipe, creating a soft, chewy cookie that captures that authentic taste. These homemade cannoli cookies have a delightful texture and a subtle sweetness that will transport you straight to Italy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Cookie Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these delightful treats! They’re more than just cookies; they’re a little bite of Italian heaven.
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of sweet ricotta and vanilla, just like the classic dessert.
- Super Quick Prep: Ready in about 20 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute cravings.
- Healthier Indulgence: Using ricotta cheese makes them a slightly lighter option than typical rich cookies.
- Budget-Friendly Baking: Most ingredients are pantry staples, keeping your costs down.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet bites – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- The Best Cannoli Cookies: Seriously, these are the ultimate version you’ll be making again and again.
- Easy Cannoli Cookie Recipe: Even beginner bakers can whip these up with minimal fuss!
Ingredients for Homemade Cannoli Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create your ricotta cannoli cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – for lift and spread
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – adds a little extra tenderness
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – essential for a tender crumb
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and crisp edges
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – adds moisture and a caramel note
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this is the star, providing that signature creamy, slightly tangy cannoli flavor and incredible moisture
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – for little bursts of chocolatey goodness
- Powdered sugar, for dusting – a classic finishing touch
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own delightful cannoli cookies right at home. The aroma alone will make you feel like you’re in an Italian bakery!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for your cannoli inspired cookies.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix forms the base of our cookie.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air for a tender cookie.
- Step 4: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the 1 cup ricotta cheese until just combined. It’s super important not to overmix here; you want to keep that lovely, creamy texture.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for those delightful little bursts of flavor.
- Step 8: Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread as they bake.
- Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
- Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before you move them.
- Step 11: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic cannoli finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Cannoli Cookies
Want to elevate your cannoli cookie game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference!
- Always use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor in your cannoli cookies. Skim milk ricotta can make the cookies a bit drier.
- Don’t overbake! The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy consistency characteristic of the best cannoli cookies.
- Chill the dough if you have time. Letting the cannoli cookie dough rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping can help prevent excessive spreading and result in thicker cookies.
What’s the secret to perfect cannoli cookies?
The secret truly lies in using good quality, whole milk ricotta cheese. It provides that signature creamy, slightly tangy flavor and moisture that makes these such delightful cannoli dessert cookies. Don’t skimp on it!
Can I make cannoli cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cannoli cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cannoli cookies?
The biggest pitfalls are overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies, and overbaking, which results in dry ones. Gently fold in the ricotta and chocolate chips, and watch the baking time closely!
Best Ways to Serve Cannoli Cookies
These delightful cannoli cookies are perfect on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments truly elevates the experience. Imagine serving these sweet treats at your next gathering; they’re always a hit!
- Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk for a simple, satisfying snack.
- Pair these Italian cannoli cookies with a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino for an authentic Italian dessert experience.
- Serve them alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a tart contrast to their sweetness.
Nutrition Facts for Cannoli Cookies
When you’re enjoying these delightful cannoli cookies, it’s helpful to know what you’re indulging in. Each cookie offers a taste of Italy without being overly heavy. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your cannoli cookie recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Cannoli Cookies
Properly storing your delicious cannoli cookies ensures they stay fresh and delicious for your next craving. Once they’ve completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to think about storage. For everyday enjoyment, an airtight container is your best friend. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you find yourself with extra cannoli cookie dough, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, as mentioned in our pro tips!
Planning ahead for a party or want to enjoy these treats longer? These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can even give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave if you prefer them slightly warm, though I find they’re perfect as is!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannoli Cookies
What are cannoli cookies?
Cannoli cookies are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional Sicilian cannoli but in a cookie format. Instead of a fried shell filled with cream, these cookies feature a soft, chewy cookie base often incorporating ricotta cheese, offering a similar sweet and creamy flavor profile. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of cannoli without the fuss of making shells.
Can I make cannoli cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! My recipe notes mention using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might find the texture is slightly different, but the delicious cannoli flavor remains. Just ensure your gluten-free flour contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.
What’s the difference between cannoli cookies and cannoli chip cookies?
That’s a great question! While both are inspired by the classic cannoli, cannoli chip cookies are typically much smaller and flatter, designed to be crispier, almost like a cookie chip. They often feature a more pronounced chocolate chip component and are less focused on replicating the creamy filling texture. Our main recipe focuses on a softer, more cake-like cookie that truly embodies the spirit of a cream-filled cannoli.
Do these cookies taste strongly of ricotta?
While ricotta cheese is a key ingredient for moisture and that signature subtle tang, these cannoli cookies don’t have an overpowering ricotta flavor. The sweetness from the sugars, the vanilla extract, and the optional chocolate chips balance it out beautifully. It contributes to a rich, creamy undertone that makes them incredibly moreish!
Variations of Cannoli Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered this classic cannoli cookie recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things exciting.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For irresistible chocolate chip cannoli cookies, simply add an extra 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough. You could even toss in some chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Miniature Delights: Make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon-sized scoop. These mini cannoli cookies are perfect for parties or when you want a smaller sweet bite.
- No-Bake Alternative: If you’re short on time or prefer a no-bake treat, try a no-bake cannoli cookie recipe. These often involve crushed cookies or wafers mixed with a creamy filling and chilled.
- Cream-Filled Extravaganza: For a truly decadent experience, try making cream filled cannoli cookies. After baking and cooling, pipe a simple ricotta-based filling between two cookies, similar to an ice cream sandwich.
Amazing Cannoli Cookies Recipe: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best cannoli cookies, a delightful treat combining classic cannoli flavors with a soft, chewy cookie base. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for your cannoli cookies.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cooled cannoli cookies with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
- Mascarpone cheese can be substituted for ricotta for a richer filling.
- Use dairy-free butter to make these cookies dairy-free.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Accurate ingredient measurements are important for the best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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