Cannoli Cookies

Ah, Cannoli Cookies! They are a delightful creation that arrived in my kitchen quite unexpectedly during one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when I was craving the creamy goodness of a traditional cannoli but didn’t want to undertake the epic journey of making pastry shells. As I rummaged through my pantry, I spotted some ricotta cheese lingering in the fridge, and that familiar, cozy Italian spirit whispered, “Why not?” I began to mix, blend, and bake, and before I knew it, the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the air.

As I pulled the golden-brown beauties from the oven, I couldn’t help but take a taste—oh, the joy! Each bite was like a warm embrace, creamy and sweet with a hint of spice, the chocolate chips adding just the right touch of indulgence. The Cannoli Cookies became my go-to recipe, a hit at family gatherings and cozy nights. I could just picture everyone gathered around the table, sharing laughter, and devouring these scrumptious treats. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll fall in love too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal fuss and just one bowl for mixing, you’ll be devouring these delectable cookies in no time!
• Quick Baking Time: Bake a batch in just 12-15 minutes—perfect for an impromptu sweet craving!
• Deliciously Unique: Experience the classic flavors of cannoli in a new, fun way that’s bound to impress!
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Family and friends alike will gather around for these delightful bites of joy!
• Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily customize these cookies to fit seasonal flavors or personal preferences!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy staple creates that signature cannoli flavor; don’t skimp—use the good stuff!
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweet perfection! It adds just the right amount of sweetness and keeps the texture light.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for warmth and depth of flavor—always use pure vanilla when possible!
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This cozy spice adds a hint of warmth that dances through your cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie; feel free to use whole wheat for a healthier twist!
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For that rich, buttery flavor—softening it first helps achieve a fluffy texture.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A bit of sweetness to complement the ricotta and powdered sugar.
• 1 egg: It helps bind everything together while adding a touch of moisture!
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This is your secret ingredient for fluffy, delightful cookies!
• Chocolate chips (for garnish): An optional, yet delicious touch to elevate your cookies—who can resist chocolate?

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the warm air start brewing. There’s something so comforting about the smell of cookies baking.

2. Mix the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Take a moment to enjoy the lovely aroma—it’s heavenly!

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture, so don’t rush—let those ingredients mingle!

4. Add the Egg

Crack in the egg and mix well until everything is beautifully combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy!

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, then gradually add it to your butter mixture. Mix just until combined and don’t overdo it—lumps are totally okay!

6. Form the Dough

Roll small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and make a little indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb. This is where the magic happens!

7. Fill with Ricotta Mixture

Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into each neat little indentation. You’ll have a baby cannoli in each cookie!

8. Bake

Place your cookies on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. The aroma should fill your kitchen with pure bliss.

9. Garnish

Once cooled, garnish with chocolate chips on top—more is always better when it comes to chocolate!

10. Enjoy!

Take a moment to admire your handiwork, then dig in! Each bite is a delightful burst of cookie loveliness mixed with creamy, dreamy filling.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend more smoothly and results in a better texture.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough seems too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls for easier handling.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add a pinch of citrus zest or a splash of flavored extract for a twist on classic cannoli flavors!

Flavor Variations

• Seasonal Spices: In fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm twist. In spring, try a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for freshness!
• Nut Swaps: Fold in some crushed pistachios or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Dairy Alternatives: Swap ricotta for mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a scoop of gelato. For an elegant presentation, arrange them on a rustic wooden board, dusted with powdered sugar, and add a few fresh berries for a pop of color!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can pre-mix the cookie dough and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Leftovers

If you’ve managed to save any, try crumbling them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or stirring into warm oatmeal for breakfast. Your taste buds will thank you!

Freezing

Yes! You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. For unbaked dough, roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To bake frozen cookies, simply add a few minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can be frozen as well—just place them in a single layer in an airtight container.

Reheating

To enjoy your Cannoli Cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 15 seconds. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to experiment, cream cheese or cottage cheese can work in a pinch, but they will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Not at all! You can use any type of chocolate you love—white chocolate chunks, or even skip them entirely if you’re feeling adventurous!

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together!

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Cannoli Cookies!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in this cozy baking adventure! Cannoli Cookies have a special place in my heart, and I hope they bring as much warmth to your kitchen as they do to mine. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely Sunday or during a lively family gathering, I am certain these sweet delights will bring smiles all around. Remember, cooking is all about love, and sharing is the frosting on the cake! Happy baking, friends!

Enjoy every crumb! 🍪❤️