There’s an undeniable joy that comes from baking—especially when that baking results in treats that offer a delightful twist on classic favorites. I recently discovered this gem of a Cannoli Cookies recipe while searching for a way to please my sweet tooth without the fuss of traditional cannoli. Picture this: soft, pillowy cookies infused with the heavenly flavors of ricotta cheese, sweetened just right, and studded with mini chocolate chips. The balance of sweetness and richness transforms each bite into a mini celebration.
These Cannoli Cookies are the ultimate solution for those busy days when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spare. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, they promise a delicious outcome without the hassle. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is versatile enough to impress friends and family alike. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful adventure in baking—you won’t regret it!
Why You'll Love This Cannoli Cookies Recipe
- These Cannoli Cookies are incredibly easy to make, with just 30 minutes from start to finish ensuring you can enjoy them without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The rich flavors of ricotta and chocolate chips create a unique taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
- They are versatile enough to serve as a delightful dessert for any occasion or a sweet treat during your afternoon coffee break.
- Visually appealing and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are not just tasty but also make a stunning addition to any dessert table.
Cannoli Cookies Ingredients
Your baking adventure begins here! Let’s gather everything you need to create these delectable Cannoli Cookies.
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – a versatile base for your cookies that provides structure.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough, balancing the richness of the ricotta.
• Unsalted butter – adds creaminess and helps create a tender texture.
• Ricotta cheese – the star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique cannoli flavor.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together for a perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the cookies.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, giving them that light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – a pinch is crucial to enhance all the flavors in the cookies.
For the Mix-Ins
• Mini chocolate chips – deliciously scattered throughout, adding bursts of sweetness.
For Serving
• Powdered sugar – dust on top for a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on your Cannoli Cookies. Letting your oven reach the right temperature ensures even baking.
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Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until the mixture is fluffy and light. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes and helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies a tender texture.
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Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined, which should take another minute or so. The ricotta adds that delightful cannoli flavor!
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to achieving a consistent cookie texture.
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Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir gently until just incorporated, then fold in the mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies look perfectly puffy.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients excluding the chocolate chips, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply fold in the mini chocolate chips and drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet. For best results, bake the cookies straight from the refrigerated dough to ensure they puff up just as deliciously. Enjoy the joy of freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookies
Room Temperature: Store leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their softness.
Fridge: If you want to extend the cookies’ freshness, place them in the fridge where they can last for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop straight from the fridge into the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them thaw before reheating in a low oven.
What to Serve with Cannoli Cookies?
Elevate your cookie experience with tempting sides and drinks that perfectly complement these delightful treats.
- Rich Espresso: A cup of bold espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing the flavors of the ricotta and chocolate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, offering a delightful temperature contrast to the warm cookies.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor, cutting through the cookie’s sweetness for a balanced bite.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a rich chocolate ganache on top adds an indulgent touch that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of light whipped cream enhances the dessert’s presentation and adds a luscious creaminess that complements the cookies well.
- Mint Tea: Served warm or iced, mint tea brings a soothing herbal note that refreshes the palate, elevating your dessert experience.
- Coconut Macaroons: Sweet and chewy, coconut macaroons provide a delightful texture contrast alongside the soft Cannoli Cookies—perfect for a dessert platter!
- Limoncello: This zesty Italian liqueur brightens the palate, making it a sophisticated pairing that reflects the Italian-inspired flavors of Cannoli Cookies.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and flavorful, almond biscotti enhance the cookie theme, creating a wonderful duo for your afternoon coffee break along with Cannoli Cookies.
Cannoli Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity blossom as you customize these Cannoli Cookies with fun twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
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Nutty Delight: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios to the dough for a crunchy, nutty flavor that enhances the classic cannoli experience.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright, refreshing twist that complements the sweetness superbly.
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Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic touch that brings a cozy vibe to each cookie.
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Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate hazelnut spread instead of ricotta cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor that chocolate fans will adore.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delicious option suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Extra Chocolate: Mix in a different type of chocolate chip, like dark or white chocolate, for a sweeter or richer taste that changes up the flavor profile.
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Fruity Surprise: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped cherries into the dough for a delightful fruity addition that adds a chewy texture.
These variations will brighten up your baking experience and keep everyone guessing with every delicious bite!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect Cannoli Cookies, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, which enhances texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix your dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- When incorporating the ricotta, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your cookies.
- Finally, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, looking for a slight golden edge, and remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Cannoli Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta cheese should I use for the Cannoli Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cookie dough, which can make them overly soft.
How should I store leftover Cannoli Cookies?
To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh at room temperature, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week.
Can I freeze Cannoli Cookies? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your Cannoli Cookies, allow them to cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for a few seconds!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, don’t worry! You can add a little extra flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Just be cautious not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher cookies.
Are Cannoli Cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
While this Cannoli Cookies recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free blend. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix that includes xanthan gum for the best results. Enjoying these treats doesn’t have to mean compromising on dietary preferences!
How should I reheat Cannoli Cookies?
To enjoy them warm and soft, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if they’re chilled. Alternatively, let them thaw completely and then heat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked feel!
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Whisk
- Serving plate
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese well-drained
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For Serving
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until fluffy and light.
- Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
