Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Delightfully soft and chewy Cannoli Cookies filled with a sweet ricotta and mini chocolate chip filling, rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and baked to a perfect light golden finish. These cookies combine the classic flavors of cannoli in a convenient cookie form, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Rolling Mixture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another larger bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, contributing moisture and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until evenly combined, forming the creamy cannoli-inspired filling.
- Form and Roll Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Next, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture (combined granulated sugar and cinnamon) to coat the outside for added flavor and texture.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow room to spread. Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges but remain soft in the center.
- Cool and Assemble: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the ricotta filling between two cookies to sandwich them together, mimicking the classic cannoli.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- For a firmer filling, drain the ricotta cheese beforehand to reduce moisture.
- Cookies can be assembled and eaten immediately, or refrigerated for a firmer filling experience.
- Substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Cannoli cookies, ricotta cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Italian dessert, baked cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies