Buttery Cannoli Cookies Recipe: Little Bites of Italian Magic

Sweet memories of sicily dance through these delightful cannoli cookies that blend creamy ricotta with crisp pastry edges.

Grandmothers in palermo would smile at this clever dessert fusion.

Rich mascarpone and powdered sugar create a luxurious filling that melts softly on your tongue.

Chocolate chips add delightful crunch between delicate layers of buttery dough.

Classic italian ingredients merge into something extraordinary and unexpected.

Delicate yet indulgent, these treats promise a delectable journey through mediterranean flavor landscapes.

Bring these magical cookies to your next gathering and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Cannoli Cookies That Hold Their Crunch

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Fun Sips For Cannoli Cookies

• Pair Sweet with Sparkling: Enjoy these cannoli cookies with a chilled glass of prosecco, which complements the rich, creamy texture and adds a bubbly contrast to the sweet chocolate chips.
• Espresso Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a shot of strong, hot espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the Italian-inspired flavor profile with a classic caffeine kick.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Match the cookies with a small glass of Marsala wine, creating a traditional Sicilian dessert experience that highlights the ricotta and chocolate notes.
• Creamy Milk Matchup: Pair with cold, whole milk to soften the cookie's texture and provide a smooth, refreshing backdrop that lets the chocolate and ricotta flavors shine.

Cannoli Cookie Filling Combos

• Gluten-Free Cannoli Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Version: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based ricotta, replace egg with flax egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a completely vegan-friendly option.
• Nut-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Add chopped pistachios or almonds into the dough for extra crunch and authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce chocolate chip quantity, and use part-skim ricotta to create a healthier cookie version for diabetic or health-conscious individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the cookie dough and provide a more balanced flavor in each bite.

• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, you can bake the Cannoli Cookies immediately after mixing the dough. Unlike some cookie recipes, this one doesn’t require chilling, which makes it quick and easy to prepare.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be soft but not wet in the middle. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the cookies’ texture and structure.

Cannoli Cookies That Bring The Bakery Home

• Celebrate Quick Comfort: Whip up these delightful cannoli cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Playful Fusion Flavor: Blend the classic Italian cannoli taste with cookie form, creating a unique treat that combines creamy ricotta and rich chocolate chips in every bite.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Easy enough for kids to help, these cookies transform traditional cannoli into a fun, approachable dessert that everyone can enjoy together.
• Versatile Occasion Treat: Ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon snacks, or elegant dessert tables, these cookies adapt perfectly to any social setting or mood.

What’s in Cannoli Cookies

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft Italian cheese that provides moisture and rich texture to the cookies.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie with smooth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie, creating a soft and delicate base.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie texture and finishing touch.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts and classic cannoli-inspired flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor that complements ricotta and chocolate.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Shape and Bake Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

• Softened butter
• Ricotta cheese
• Sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become light and dreamy.

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract, mixing until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of chocolatey happiness.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Before serving, dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar for that classic cannoli-inspired touch.

Cannoli Cookie Assembly Tips

• Use room temperature ricotta cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• Fold chocolate chips gently to prevent overmixing, which helps maintain even chocolate spread throughout the cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Dust cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the sugar looking fresh and prevent absorption into the cookie.
• Store cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Cannoli Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian heritage dances through these cannoli cookies, blending Sicily’s beloved pastry with classic cookie charm. Crisp edges, creamy ricotta filling, and chocolate chips create a delightful dessert that connects you to old-world baking traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Flavor Enhancers and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Create a smooth, airy base by blending butter, ricotta, and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, stirring until the liquid components meld seamlessly.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate container to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Delicately fold mini chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even dispersion of the sweet morsels.
7. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized dollops, strategically placing them on the prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing to allow for spreading.
8. Slide the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until the edges develop a subtle golden hue.
9. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief moment to set their structure.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.
11. Finish by dusting the cooled cookies with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant and sweet presentation.

Notes

• Swap out ricotta for Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture and texture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same soft cookie consistency.
• Experiment with alternative mix-ins like chopped pistachios or dried cranberries to add unique flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create more structured, uniform cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg