Cannoli Cookies

Indulge in the delightful fusion of crispy and creamy with Cannoli Cookies. Each bite offers a sweet ricotta filling surrounded by a delicate, buttery shell—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, these cookies will impress with their unique flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios creates a rich taste that’s satisfying and indulgent.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations like birthdays or holidays, or as an everyday dessert to share with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you create the perfect Cannoli Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even texture in your dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to the right thickness for uniform cookies.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking without warping or bending.

Ingredients

Indulge in the delightful fusion of crispy and creamy with Cannoli Cookies. Each bite offers a sweet ricotta filling surrounded by a delicate, buttery shell—perfect for a decadent treat.

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240 ml) of all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of lemon zest

For the Filling

• ½ cup (120 g) of ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) of mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup (75 g) of chopped pistachios

For Garnishing

• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar until well blended.
2. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
3. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough to ¼ inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into rectangles or squares, approximately 2×3 inches.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios. This filling adds richness to each cookie.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each rectangle and fold to seal.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
3. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade Cannoli Cookies as a delightful treat!

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

Cannoli Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be creatively served to enhance their appeal.

With Coffee or Espresso

• Pairing your Cannoli Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso creates a perfect balance. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Cannoli Cookies alongside other treats such as biscotti or mini pastries. This makes for an impressive dessert platter that’s great for entertaining.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve Cannoli Cookies with seasonal fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges. The tartness of the fruit enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

As Party Favors

• Package individual Cannoli Cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon. These make charming and delicious party favors for your guests to take home.

How to Perfect Cannoli Cookies

To ensure your Cannoli Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to rest not only improves texture but also makes it easier to handle and roll out.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ricotta and high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when they’re golden brown for the best texture.

• Experiment with Fillings: While the classic filling is delicious, try adding different ingredients like almond extract or dried fruits for a unique twist.

• Dust with Powdered Sugar Before Serving: A light dusting adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal, making these cookies look as good as they taste.

Best Side Dishes for Cannoli Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cannoli Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the crunchy cookies wonderfully. Serve it on the side for dipping.

2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your Cannoli Cookies for added richness and decadence.

3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can provide a light contrast to the dense filling of the cookies.

4. Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote, like raspberry or blueberry, adds fruity acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.

5. Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake create an indulgent dessert combo that guests will love.

6. Mini Tarts: Offering mini tarts filled with lemon curd or chocolate ganache adds variety and sophistication to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cannoli Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your treats turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect dough thickness: If the dough is rolled too thick, the cookies may not bake evenly. Aim for a thickness of ¼ inch for best results.
• Skipping the resting period: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to tough cookies. Give the dough at least 30 minutes to relax before rolling.
• Overfilling the cookies: Filling them too much can cause them to burst during baking. Use just enough filling to seal without overflowing.
• Inconsistent baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Start checking around 15 minutes.
• Not cooling properly: If you transfer them too soon from the baking sheet, they may break apart. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cannoli Cookies

• Wrap each cookie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cannoli Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a couple of minutes, until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cannoli Cookies that might help you.

Can I use different fillings in my Cannoli Cookies?

Yes! You can customize your filling by using mascarpone cheese or adding different nuts and dried fruits.

What if I can’t find ricotta cheese?

If ricotta is unavailable, try cottage cheese blended until smooth as an alternative for your Cannoli Cookies.

How do I make Cannoli Cookies without gluten?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.

How can I decorate my Cannoli Cookies?

Consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

Cannoli Cookies are a delicious blend of crispy and creamy textures that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own!