Sweet Cannoli Cookies

$To make Cannoli Cookies, you need a few simple items. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (drained if watery) - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies delightful. The all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. Baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances flavor, while cinnamon adds warmth. Butter and sugar create a creamy base. The egg binds everything together, and vanilla adds a sweet aroma. Ricotta cheese gives a rich, creamy texture. Finally, the chocolate chips add little bursts of sweetness. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this dry mix aside. - In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. - Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until smooth and mixed well. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix; this keeps the cookies tender. - Use a spatula to fold in 1/2 cup drained ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly spread in the dough. - Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between them. - Bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and soft centers. - Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Once cooled, lightly dust with 1/4 cup powdered sugar to add a lovely finish before serving. To ensure tender cookies, do not overmix the dough. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy. The ideal baking time for these cookies is 12-15 minutes. Look for golden edges while the center stays soft. This combination gives you the best texture. For a lovely presentation, arrange the cannoli cookies on a colorful plate. Scatter extra mini chocolate chips around them for a fun look. You can pair these cookies with whipped cream. This adds a sweet touch for dipping and makes each bite even better. Enjoy the flavors together! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Ricotta: For the best flavor and texture, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese. It provides a creamier consistency and enhances the overall taste of your cookies. Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make rolling the cookies easier and help them maintain their shape while baking. Customize the Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit to create your own unique twist on these cannoli cookies. Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage! {{image_4}} To make your cannoli cookies even more fun, you can try adding citrus zests. Zest from lemons or oranges gives a bright, fresh taste. Just add about a teaspoon of zest to your dough. This small change can make a big difference in flavor! You can also explore different types of chocolate. Instead of mini chocolate chips, try dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate. Each type brings its own unique taste. You can even mix several kinds for a chocolate lover's dream! If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour. Make sure to use a blend that works well for baking. This way, everyone can enjoy these cookies without worry. For vegan substitutions, swap the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps keep your cookies vegan while still tasting amazing! To keep your cannoli cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This type of container helps prevent moisture loss. You can stack the cookies in a single layer or add parchment paper between layers. Before you store them, let the cookies cool completely. Cooling prevents sogginess. Place them on a wire rack for even cooling. Cannoli cookies last about 5 days at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy your sweet treat later! Can I use ricotta cheese substitutes? Yes, you can. Cream cheese or mascarpone works well. They provide a similar creamy texture. How do I know when the cookies are done? Look for golden edges and a soft center. The cookies should look puffy but not wet. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can. Chill the dough for up to two days. Just wrap it tightly before storing. What type of flour works best? All-purpose flour is ideal for these cookies. It gives the right texture and structure. Can I add nuts to the dough? Absolutely! Chopped pistachios or walnuts add a nice crunch. Just mix them in gently. What is the best way to ensure cookies are chewy? Do not overmix the dough. Mixing just until combined keeps them tender and chewy. How can I make my cookies more flavorful? Try adding a bit of almond extract or extra vanilla. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness too. In summary, you’ve learned to make Cannoli Cookies with simple steps and tasty variations. From mixing the ingredients to baking, each step is key to perfect cookies. Remember to avoid overmixing for tenderness and enjoy serving these treats with flair. Explore flavor twists or modifications that fit your needs. Proper storage helps keep them fresh, and your cookies will shine. Try these tips, and enjoy baking and sharing your delicious creations!$

Delicious cookies inspired by classic cannoli, featuring ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
0.25 cup mini chocolate chips
0.25 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well blended. Set the dry mixture aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the large egg and the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well incorporated and silky smooth.
Gradually mix in the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.
With a spatula, gently fold in the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly puffy.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
After the cookies have cooled, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar using a small sifter or a spoon, adding an elegant touch just before serving.

Notes

For an inviting display, arrange the cannoli cookies on a decorative plate. Scatter extra mini chocolate chips around them for a touch of charm, and consider serving with a side of fluffy whipped cream for delightful dipping!

Keyword cannoli, chocolate chips, cookies, dessert