Cannoli Cookies

Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that captures all the creamy, delightful goodness of a classic cannoli, but with the added charm of being perfectly portable! These Cannoli Cookies bring me back to family gatherings where dessert was not just a treat but an event, a promise of sweetness that lingered in the air like a well-worn secret recipe whispered among kin. When I first whipped these up, I felt like I brought a little piece of Italy right into my kitchen—it’s pure culinary magic!

Why should this be your next baking adventure? Simple: They combine the rich flavor of ricotta and vanilla with a hint of sweetness from cinnamon and chocolate—a winning trio that dances in your mouth! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can impress your friends or family without spending all day in the kitchen. What’s not to love about a quick and scrumptious treat that resembles a classic Italian dessert in a cozy little cookie form?

What makes this recipe special

So, why whip up these Cannoli Cookies tonight? Well, first off, they’re undeniably adorable. Imagine a sweet little cannonball of flavor bursting with creamy filling—these treats are visual delights, perfect for any occasion! Second, they unite flavors that sing harmoniously together: the ricotta creamy magic, the cinnamon’s warming hug, AND those chocolate chips that surprise you in every bite. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the comforting smell of baking cookies, which is a hug for the soul. Who can resist that?

Gather these ingredients

Ready to dive into this delightful concoction? Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies. You can swap with a gluten-free blend if you’re watching gluten.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: This little guy brings the fluffiness we all crave in cookies.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! It enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature to create that magical creaminess with sugar.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal—who doesn’t love a little sugar rush?
• 1 large egg: The binding agent that holds your beautiful creation together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: It’s like a warm embrace in a bottle—essential for that comforting flavor.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: The star of this cookie! Makes for a deliciously creamy filling.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness in the ricotta filling.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds depth and warmth—essential for the cannoli vibe!
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: These little gems add a delightful surprise in every bite.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Essential for that delightful sugar crust.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling): Because you can never have too much cinnamon!

Preparing Cannoli Cookies

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking! Follow these steps closely for cookie perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this will make cleanup a breeze!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Consider this your dry mixture that will soon meet its wet counterpart!
3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. This step is essential—think beautifully whipped clouds.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. You’ve set the foundation for a luscious cookie!
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t go overboard; we want tenderness, not toughness!
6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until creamy—get ready for some serious filling magic!
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat them in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture made with the extra sugar and cinnamon.
8. Place the balls on the baking sheet and flatten each slightly—think just-baked cookie goodness.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden, and the centers are still soft, emanating warm scents that will have your neighbors knocking!
10. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Try to resist munching on them while they still have that fresh-baked warmth!
11. Once cooled, spread the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Those flavors are about to hit a home run!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how do you serve these delicious cookies? Picture them on a lovely plate, perhaps dusted with some extra powdered sugar for that Insta-worthy look. They pair beautifully with a cup of espresso for that Italian café vibe or a scoop of your favorite gelato on the side for a little summer treat. Feel free to get creative; you can even drizzle them with some melted chocolate or a caramel sauce for an indulgent twist!

How to store and freeze

If by some miracle you have leftovers (highly unlikely!), here’s how to keep them fresh. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag—these little gems can hang out there for up to a month! When you get a craving, let them defrost at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as good as fresh!

Pro chef tips

• Temperatures matter! Make sure your butter is softened, not melted—it makes all the difference in texture.
• Don’t skip on chilling the filled cookies for a brief moment before serving. It allows everything to meld beautifully and hold their shape.
• If you want a more decadent experience, try adding a splash of orange zest to the ricotta filling— it can elevate those flavors even higher!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? There’s room for creativity in this recipe! You can swap in different flavored extracts—almond or hazelnut could add a nice twist. Or try substituting half the chocolate chips for dried fruits like cherries or figs, pushing your cookies from delightful to extraordinary! For an elegant finish, roll the sandwich in finely chopped pistachios or crushed graham crackers. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until creamy.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place the balls on the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
10. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. Spread ricotta filling on one flat cookie and sandwich with another.

Your questions answered

• Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Mascarpone can work wonders for a creamier filling.
• What’s the best way to store these? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
• Will they be as good if I make them ahead of time? Yes! In fact, they might taste even better after the flavors meld together for a day!
• Can I skip the chocolate chips? Sure! You can swap in nuts, raisins, or simply leave them out for a lighter bite.
• What can I do if the dough is too sticky? Just sprinkle a little extra flour. A little goes a long way!

Now that you’ve got all the tasty details for making these Cannoli Cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the joy of baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Share your twists and turns in the comments below—let’s make this a deliciously vibrant community together!

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