Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic Italian desserts and love a cookie that offers both crunch and creamy delight, you are going to fall head over heels for these irresistible Cannoli Cookies. Combining the tender crumb of a cookie with the luscious ricotta filling dotted with mini chocolate chips, these treats capture the magic of traditional cannoli in a perfectly portable, bite-sized form. Each bite is a beautiful dance of sweet, cinnamon, and velvety ricotta that feels like a warm hug from an Italian Nonna herself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of these Cannoli Cookies shines through their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—flour and baking powder create the tender base, cinnamon adds warm spice, and the ricotta filling makes every bite luxuriously creamy.

• All-purpose flour: This is the foundation that gives the cookies structure and a soft texture.
• Baking powder: Provides just enough lift so the cookies aren’t dense but remain tender.
• Salt: A pinch that balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps in creating a slight crisp edge.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping everything together with a tender finish.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts aroma and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Ricotta cheese: The showstopper—gives the filling that authentic creamy texture and mild tang.
• Powdered sugar: Perfect for sweetening the filling smoothly without grit.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkles of warm spice in both dough and filling brighten up the flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate throughout the filling add just the right amount of indulgence.
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon (for rolling): Coats the cookie dough balls with a crackly, fragrant crust when baked.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, whisk together the dry ingredients—the flour, baking powder, and salt—in a medium bowl. This blend is the key to a light, tender cookie base that still holds its shape after baking.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and practically begging to be baked. Adding the egg and vanilla extract next helps create a luscious batter that will bloom beautifully once the dry ingredients step in.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Gently fold your dry mixture into the wet butter and sugar blend, mixing just until it’s combined. Remember, over-mixing can make the cookies tough. You’re aiming for a cohesive dough that’s slightly soft to the touch.

Step 4: Creating the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed — this filling will add a decadent, creamy surprise when sandwiched between your cookies.

Step 5: Shaping and Rolling

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll them in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. This step ensures your cookies will have a delightful crackly and flavorful exterior after baking.

Step 6: Baking

Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly, and gently flatten each one with the bottom of a glass. Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until their edges turn a delicate golden hue — that’s your sign they’re perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cooling and Assembling the Cannoli Cookies

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, spread a generous teaspoon of the ricotta filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. This is where your Cannoli Cookies truly come to life!

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

Garnishes

Presentation elevates these treats beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar sprinkled over the finished sandwiches not only makes them look irresistible but adds a delicate sweetness. You can also dip the edges of the filling in mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios for a textural twist and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a robust cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo, enhancing their authentic Italian flair. For a family-style dessert spread, consider adding fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato to balance the richness and round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, serve your Cannoli Cookies on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for an inviting display. Wrapping each sandwich in decorative parchment tied with twine makes for a charming individual treat, perfect for party favors or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cannoli Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep the filling sandwiched just before serving to avoid any sogginess and maintain that fresh-baked texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies (without filling) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw them completely before adding the ricotta filling and assembling for best results.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, gently warm unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid heating after the ricotta filling is added to keep the creamy texture intact. Enjoy them slightly warm or at room temperature for that perfect bite.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta for the filling?

Absolutely! Just make sure to choose a fresh, high-quality ricotta with a smooth texture to ensure the filling is creamy and delicious.

How long do Cannoli Cookies stay fresh once assembled?

Because of the ricotta filling, it’s best to enjoy these cookies within a day or two for peak freshness and flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough from falling apart.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

Chop regular chocolate chips into small pieces or substitute with mini chunks of your favorite chocolate for a similar effect.

Can I refrigerate the cookies instead of freezing?

Yes, storing the baked cookies (unfilled) in the fridge is fine for a few days, but bring them to room temperature before assembling for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about Cannoli Cookies that makes every moment with them special. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring the joyful spirit of Italian desserts right to your kitchen. Dive in, enjoy the rich ricotta filling, and savor the cozy cinnamon cookie exterior — I promise you’ll want to make these often!

Print