Easy Cannoli Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Italian Classics

Sweet memories of sicily dance through this creamy cannoli cookies recipe that blends traditional flavors with modern baking magic.

Crisp edges and rich ricotta filling promise a delightful dessert experience.

Delicate pastry shells crackle with powdered sugar and hints of cinnamon.

Each bite connects you to italian culinary traditions passed through generations.

Mascarpone and chocolate chips add unexpected layers of indulgence to these irresistible treats.

Lightweight yet decadent, these cookies will become your new favorite afternoon companion.

Why Cannoli Cookies Are a Delicious Classic

• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Capture Italian Dessert Magic: Transform the classic cannoli into a delightful cookie form, bringing the beloved Italian pastry's flavors into a convenient, shareable treat.
• Pack with Delicious Texture: Combine creamy ricotta, crunchy pistachios, and sweet chocolate chips for a mouthwatering combination that delivers exciting taste and texture in every bite.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert moments with their unique twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients for Authentic Cannoli Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
• Ricotta Cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy element that makes these cookies unique.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Chopped Pistachios: Add delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft cookie base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, decorative dusting on the finished cookies.

How to Make Crispy Cannoli Cookies at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your baking sheets and cover them with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Combine these ingredients until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and ricotta cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios

Distribute these tasty morsels evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them slightly apart to allow for spreading.

Slide the sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a light golden color around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Transfer to wire cooling racks.

Once completely cooled, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy these delectable treats!

Tips to Bake Perfect Cannoli Cookies Every Time

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect shape.
• Gently fold chocolate chips to ensure even spread throughout the cookies without overmixing.
• Chop pistachios uniformly to guarantee consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
• Watch cookies closely during last few minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain soft, tender texture.
• Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve freshness and texture.

Variations on Traditional Cannoli Cookies

• Citrus Splash Cannoli Cookies: Replace vanilla with orange or lemon zest, add candied citrus peel instead of chocolate chips for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Double the chocolate chips, add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients, and drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Mediterranean Version: Swap pistachios for toasted almonds or hazelnuts, incorporate almond extract alongside vanilla, and sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking.
• Cinnamon Swirl Style: Mix ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients, add a cinnamon-sugar blend for dusting, and incorporate chopped dried figs for extra warmth and complexity.

What to Pair with Cannoli Cookies

• Savor Sweet Sicilian Wine Pairing: Match these cannoli-inspired cookies with a chilled Marsala wine, highlighting the dessert's Italian roots and complementing its rich, creamy texture.
• Create Espresso Companion: Serve alongside a robust Italian espresso, allowing the coffee's intensity to balance the cookies' sweetness and enhance the chocolate and pistachio notes.
• Elevate Dessert Plate: Arrange cookies with a small scoop of vanilla gelato, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence to the treat.
• Design Dessert Wine Experience: Pair with a sweet Moscato d'Asti, whose light, sparkling nature will beautifully accentuate the cookies' delicate flavors and nutty undertones.

Proper Storage for Cannoli Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious treats.

Warm cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and soft center. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on low power. Check every few seconds to avoid making them tough or rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! You can swap pistachios for almonds, walnuts, or pecans to match your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring a more compact cookie shape.

• Is ricotta cheese essential for this recipe?

Ricotta is key to creating the unique texture and flavor of these cookies. If you don’t have ricotta, try using mascarpone cheese as a close substitute, which will maintain similar moisture and richness.

Cannoli Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cannoli Cookies blend Sicily’s beloved pastry with classic cookie charm, creating a sweet fusion that dances between tradition and innovation. Crisp edges, creamy ricotta filling, and delicate chocolate chips invite you to savor a delightful taste of Mediterranean magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-ins and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 375F (190C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until voluminous and airy, creating a smooth base.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and ricotta cheese until fully integrated.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until ingredients are combined without overmixing.
6. Carefully incorporate mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios into the cookie dough, distributing evenly.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for edges to turn golden and centers to appear set but soft.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to firm up slightly.
10. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks using a spatula.
11. Once completely cooled, delicately dust cookies with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sifter for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap out ingredients to accommodate dietary needs, like using gluten-free flour for those with wheat sensitivities or plant-based butter for vegan versions.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a thicker, more structured cookie shape.
• Toast pistachios beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cookies, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out, maintaining their delicate texture for several days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg