The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful treat, look no further than The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe. This recipe brings together the crispy, golden cookie exterior with a luscious, creamy filling that echoes the classic Italian dessert in a convenient cookie form. Perfect for anytime snacks, parties, or just a cozy treat at home, these cannoli cookies hit all the right notes of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Meets Creamy: The perfectly crisp cookie shell complements the smooth, sweet ricotta filling for an unbeatable flavor combo.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable Flavors: Add chocolate chips, citrus zest, or nuts to suit your taste or make it your own special twist.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies look elegant and taste gourmet, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Perfect Party Treat: Their bite-sized charm makes them an ideal finger food for celebrations, tea time, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe are straightforward but essential. Each contributes to the distinct crunch of the cookie or the rich, velvety filling that makes these cookies irresistible. Fresh, quality components will enhance flavor and texture beautifully.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the crispy cookie shell that holds its shape well.
• Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and slight caramelization to the dough.
• Butter: Key for a tender yet crisp texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the creamy filling; use fresh, whole-milk ricotta for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet, aromatic profile of both dough and filling.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional, but a classic add-in for that traditional cannoli crunch.
• Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough while adding moisture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Variations for The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Feel free to personalize The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe by trying different variations. It’s easy to adapt depending on your dietary needs, available ingredients, or just your mood for a creative spin.

• Chocolate-Dipped Edges: Dip cookie edges in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant look and extra indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped pistachios or almonds into the filling for added texture and nuttiness.
• Fruit Zest Twist: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the filling to brighten flavors with zestful citrus notes.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond or gluten-free flour blends to make it gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
• Vegan-Friendly Option: Use plant-based butter and ricotta alternatives like cashew cream for a vegan variation.

How to Make The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by combining softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy and light. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the flour, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for about 30 minutes to firm up, which makes rolling easier.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass rim to cut circles, roughly 3 inches in diameter. Place the circles on parchment-lined baking sheets, ready to be shaped after baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Shells

Bake the circles at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to turn golden. While still warm but manageable, gently shape each cookie over a cannoli form or a small rolling pin to form tubes. Let them cool completely to set their shape.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. For texture and flavor, fold in mini chocolate chips. Keep the filling chilled until the cookies have cooled and are ready to be filled.

Step 5: Assemble the Cannoli Cookies

Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cookie shell with the ricotta filling. Optionally, dust the filled cookies with powdered sugar or garnish with chopped nuts for a final touch.

Pro Tips for Making The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your cookie dough before rolling to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
• Use Fresh Ricotta: Drain your ricotta well by placing it in a fine sieve for a few hours to avoid soggy filling.
• Warm but Not Hot: Shape the cookies while warm to prevent cracking but cool enough to handle comfortably.
• Piping Bag Perfection: Use a piping bag for neat and easy filling without messy spills.
• Storage Tip: Fill cookies just before serving for maximum crispness and freshness.

How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pistachios sprinkled on top for added color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful cannoli cookies alongside a cup of espresso, strong black tea, or a creamy latte to complement the sweet, rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Place cookies standing upright in a decorative jar or arrange them neatly on a serving platter lined with parchment paper and garnished with fresh mint leaves for a professional touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep filled cannoli cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness, but enjoy them sooner for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unfilled baked cookie shells in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before filling to preserve crunchiness.

Reheating

Avoid reheating filled cookies to prevent sogginess. For frozen shells, a quick warm-up in the oven at low temperature will refresh their crisp texture before filling.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute regular butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free ricotta or cashew cream to make a vegan-friendly, dairy-free version without compromising flavor.

What makes these cookies authentic cannoli?

The combination of a crisp pastry shell and sweet ricotta filling with hints of vanilla and cinnamon mirrors the traditional Italian cannoli in cookie form.

How do I prevent the cookie shells from breaking?

Shape the cookies while they are still warm and flexible to avoid cracks; letting the dough chill before baking also helps maintain integrity during shaping.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely. The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge; just give it a quick stir before filling the cookies.

Are there any alternative fillings?

Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone, cream cheese, or flavored ricotta blends with additions like cocoa or coffee for creative twists on this recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines crispy, buttery cookies with a luxuriously creamy filling. It’s a perfect recipe to impress friends, enjoy with family, or indulge your own sweet cravings on any occasion. Give it a go, and soon you’ll have a new favorite dessert you’ll want to bake over and over!

Related Posts

• Almond Crescent Cookies
• German Chocolate Cake
• Best Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print