Cannoli Cookies Recipe – Homemade 🍪🇮🇹

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious homemade Cannoli Cookies recipe! If you’re a fan of traditional Italian desserts, you’re going to love these sweet treats. With their crunchy exterior and creamy filling, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cannoli. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something indulgent, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this scrumptious dessert!

Ingredients

To make these delectable cannoli cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Add the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

Step 2: Shaping the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into small portions, about the size of a walnut.

Roll each portion of dough into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

Using the back of a round measuring spoon or your thumb, gently press down on each cookie to create an indentation in the center.

Step 3: Baking and Filling

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the center of each cookie with the cannoli filling.

Lightly dust the filled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Variations

While our classic cannoli cookies are already a treat on their own, you can also try these delicious variations:

1. Pistachio Cannoli Cookies:

Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pistachios to the dough for a delightful nutty flavor.

2. Lemon Cannoli Cookies:

Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.

3. Almond Cannoli Cookies:

Replace the mini chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of chopped almonds for a crunchy alternative.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cannoli cookies turn out perfect:

– Make sure your butter and ricotta cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.

– Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

– Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the cookies with the cannoli filling for a neat presentation.

– If you prefer a smoother filling, you can pass the ricotta cheese through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delightful recipe for homemade Cannoli Cookies. These Italian-inspired treats are the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert option. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cannoli or simply looking to try something new, these cookies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in these delightful bites of sweetness. Buon appetito!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to one month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

2. How long can I store the baked cookies?

The baked cannoli cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

3. Can I use different fillings?

Absolutely! While the traditional cannoli filling is used in this recipe, you can experiment with different flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, or even Nutella.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly.

5. Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Of course! If you prefer a plain cannoli cookie, you can omit the chocolate chips or replace them with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.