There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially when they come with a delightful surprise nestled inside. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, only to discover a rich, creamy filling reminiscent of traditional Italian cannoli. That’s exactly what you get with these Cannoli Cookies!
I stumbled upon this recipe while reminiscing about my favorite sweet treats, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. These cookies marry the beloved flavor of cannoli with the ease and comfort of homemade chocolate chip cookies, making them the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert tray. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, you’ll find that these cookies are not only simple to make but are also sure to please your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with this delightful confection that captures the spirit of indulgence in every bite!
Why Love These Cannoli Cookies?
Decadent Delight: These Cannoli Cookies offer a unique twist on classic flavors, combining the beloved taste of Italian cannoli with the cozy comforts of a chocolate chip cookie.
Effortless to Make: Baking these treats is a breeze, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Their captivating flavor and beautiful presentation make them a sure hit at any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers.
Versatile Variations: You can easily customize the filling by adding your favorite nuts or swapping in mascarpone for a new flavor profile.
Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for your festive dessert table, these cookies will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Cannoli Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup salted butter – Provides richness and moisture; can substitute with regular butter if desired.
- ¼ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in browning.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Contributes to chewiness and a deeper flavor profile.
- 2 eggs – Binds the ingredients together for a tender cookie texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups flour – Forms the structure of the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a lighter cookie.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips – Adds bursts of chocolate flavor; regular chocolate chips can be used if preferred.
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta (strained) – Provides authentic cannoli flavor; ensure it is thoroughly strained to avoid a soggy filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling to mimic traditional cannoli cream.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips – Adds extra texture and chocolatey goodness.
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon – Enhances warmth and flavor complexity.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
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Prepare Ricotta Filling: Start by straining the ricotta thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the strained ricotta with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Set this creamy bliss aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until the batter is pale and well blended, creating a rich flavor base.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, combining on low speed until the dough is smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Shape the Cookies: Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them slightly with your hands. Use a teaspoon to carefully create a well in the center of each cookie.
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Fill and Chill: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling into each well you created in the cookies. Refrigerate the cookie sheet for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Finishing Touch: Before serving, dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that finishing touch.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for an extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their meal planning! You can prepare the ricotta filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can also mix the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply shape the cookies, fill them with the prepared ricotta filling, and chill them for 30 minutes before baking—this helps maintain their delightful texture. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies
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Strain Ricotta Well: Ensure the ricotta is completely strained to avoid a soggy filling that could ruin your cannoli cookies.
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Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the cookies keeps them from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
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Egg Beating Technique: Beat the eggs until they are pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy cookies.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth dough, leading to a better texture in your cannoli cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, taking away from their delightful softness.
Cannoli Cookies Variations
Get ready to elevate your baking game with these fun twists that add a personal touch to your Cannoli Cookies!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pistachios to the ricotta filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the filling for a bright and refreshing taste that cuts through the sweetness.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap in chocolate-flavored ricotta or add a splash of cocoa powder to the filling for a rich, double chocolate kick.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta and powdered sugar to make a luscious filling that everyone can enjoy.
- Spicy Twist: Infuse the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Fruit-Filled: Fold in dried cherries or cranberries into the cookie dough for a delightful sweet and tart surprise in every bite.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top your cooled cookies with a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible sweet finish.
- S’mores Style: Mix in some graham cracker crumbs into the cookie dough, and add mini marshmallows before baking for a campfire-inspired treat!
How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the integrity of the ricotta filling.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will restore their delightful softness and flavor.
What to Serve with Cannoli Cookies?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful additions to complement each soft, chewy bite.
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Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of a freshly brewed espresso cut through the sweetness, enhancing the cannoli filling’s creamy texture beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts the chewy cookie, creating a delightful temperature and texture play that’s simply irresistible.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra touch by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the finished cookies, intensifying the cocoa notes for chocolate lovers.
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Fruity Sorbet: A refreshing lemon or raspberry sorbet provides a light, zesty note to contrast the richness of the cookies, making your dessert feel extra special.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy cookie flavors.
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Pistachio Topping: Sprinkling chopped pistachios over the cookies not only adds a lovely crunch but also introduces a nutty element reminiscent of traditional cannoli.
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Sweet Almond Liqueur: A glass of almond liqueur served on the side can elevate your dessert experience with its sweet, nutty tones complementing the ricotta filling beautifully.
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Coffee Liqueur: For a sophisticated touch, serve a splash of coffee liqueur next to these cookies for a luxurious pairing that both warms and charms.
Cannoli Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ricotta for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting ricotta, look for whole milk ricotta, as it offers the richest flavor and creaminess. Make sure to check the expiration date and choose a fresh product without excess liquid. If you can find it, consider using Italian brands for a more authentic taste.
What’s the best way to store Cannoli Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to the fridge where they can last up to 5 days. This method helps preserve the delicious ricotta filling, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze Cannoli Cookies?
Very much! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their chewy texture.
Why did my cookies spread too much in the oven?
Oh no! If your Cannoli Cookies spread excessively, it’s likely that the dough was too warm or the butter was too soft. To troubleshoot, ensure you chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, make sure you measure your flour accurately—using a kitchen scale can help avoid this issue.
Are these cookies safe for people with gluten allergies?
While these Cannoli Cookies use regular flour, you can certainly make a gluten-free version by substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture, but they can still be delicious!
Delicious Cannoli Cookies: Your New Favorite Sweet Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: Start by straining the ricotta thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the strained ricotta with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Set this creamy bliss aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter until it's light and fluffy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until the batter is pale and well blended, creating a rich flavor base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, combining on low speed until the dough is smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies: Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them slightly with your hands. Use a teaspoon to carefully create a well in the center of each cookie.
- Fill and Chill: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling into each well you created in the cookies. Refrigerate the cookie sheet for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Finishing Touch: Before serving, dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that finishing touch.