Cannoli Cookies: A Sweet Delight
Are you ready to make Cannoli Cookies? These delightful treats bring a twist to traditional cannoli by turning them into easy-to-make cookies. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making Cannoli Cookies, including the recipe, serving suggestions, and even some tips to enhance your baking experience.
Why Make This Recipe
Cannoli Cookies offer a unique combination of flavors and textures. They are soft, chewy cookies with a creamy, sweet filling inspired by the classic Italian dessert, cannoli. You get a bite of sweet vanilla and cinnamon along with the richness of ricotta cheese, and the addition of mini chocolate chips makes them even more irresistible.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also simple to make. If you love baking and want to try something different, Cannoli Cookies are a great choice. They can please everyone at your table, whether adults or kids. Plus, they’re a fun way to introduce a beloved Italian dessert in a new form.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Making Cannoli Cookies is easy and straightforward. With a few common ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy. Here is a detailed look at how to make these cookies from scratch.
Ingredients
For Cannoli Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: This adds flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives cookies their rich flavor and moisture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough.
- 1 large egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely vanilla flavor.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: This is the key ingredient for the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: This adds warmth and flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: These add a sweet, chocolatey bite.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): This helps add sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): This gives an extra flavor to the cookie exterior.
Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps to make Cannoli Cookies:
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to your cookies, making them soft.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and the vanilla extract until everything is mixed well.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Make the ricotta filling: In a separate small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until smooth. This will be your delicious creamy filling.
Shape cookie dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This gives the cookies a sweet crust.
Arrange and flatten: Place the rolled dough balls on the lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your palm.
Bake the cookies: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should be lightly golden at the edges when done.
Cool down: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the filling: After your cookies have cooled, take one cookie and spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling onto it. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies
Serving Cannoli Cookies is easy and fun. Once they are filled and assembled, you can place them on a serving platter. These cookies are perfect for sharing. If you are hosting a gathering, consider dusting the top of the cookies with a little extra powdered sugar. This not only looks great but adds a touch of sweetness.
You can serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, as the flavors pair nicely together. Kids love these cookies, so you might want to keep some for dessert after lunch or dinner. For special occasions, place them in decorative boxes as gifts. Cannoli Cookies are sure to impress.
How to Store Cannoli Cookies
Storing Cannoli Cookies properly will help maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:
At Room Temperature: Once your cookies are completely cooled, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for about 3-5 days.
Refrigeration: Since these cookies contain ricotta cheese, you may want to store them in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to freeze or save the cookies for later, it’s best to freeze the unassembled cookies. Place dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw at room temperature and then follow the baking directions. You can also freeze the already filled cookies, but this may alter the texture of the ricotta filling once thawed.
Tips to Make Cannoli Cookies
Follow these handy tips to elevate your Cannoli Cookies:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For better mixing, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This makes it easier to work with.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is traditional, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or even a hint of orange zest for a different flavor profile.
Double the Batch: If you have a big gathering or simply want to have leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. These cookies are great for sharing!
Variations
Cannoli Cookies are versatile, and you can customize them in many ways. Here are a few variations:
Nutty Addition: Add some finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pistachios to the ricotta filling for a bit of crunch.
Fruit Flavors: Incorporate some chopped dried fruits like cherries or cranberries into the filling for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
FAQs
1. Can I use different cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or cream cheese as alternatives. Each will give a different texture and flavor to the filling.
2. How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan Cannoli Cookies, use a plant-based butter substitute, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg, and choose a dairy-free ricotta. There are many options available in stores today.
3. What can I do with leftover filling?
If you have extra filling, you can use it as a dip for fruits or spread it on toast. It also works wonderfully in pancakes or waffles!
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make Cannoli Cookies. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to savor the delicious results!
Cannoli Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until smooth.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Place the rolled dough balls on the baking sheet and flatten them slightly with your palm.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Spread about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling onto one cookie and place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.