Desserts

The Best Cannoli Cookies

Name: The Best Cannoli Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; Powdered sugar for dusting

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The delightful combination of creamy ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and the blissful simplicity of cookies makes The Best Cannoli Cookies a standout dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, these cookies bring together the classic Italian dessert in a fun and approachable way. Enjoy the rich flavors and inviting aromas as they fill your kitchen while baking!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 140
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 90mg

Why Make This The Best Cannoli Cookies

These Cannoli Cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they capture the essence of traditional cannoli in a convenient format. The use of ricotta cheese creates a delightful, soft texture, making them chewy yet rich. Each cookie is studded with mini chocolate chips that add bursts of sweetness, and the light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives them an elegant finish. Perfect for any occasion, they satisfy your sweet tooth while introducing a little Italian flair to your dessert table.

How to Make The Best Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking these cookies to ensure they become perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and sugar until smooth. This step is crucial, as it blends the ingredients well, ensuring the cookies have a light and airy texture.

Step 3: Cooking

Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips for that sweet surprise in every bite! Scoop heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Finishing

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and elegance.

How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cookies

These cookies are universally loved and can be served at any occasion. Present them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful treat. They also make fantastic gifts when packaged in a decorative box!

How to Store The Best Cannoli Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a tightly sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds when you need a quick treat!

Expert Tips for Perfect The Best Cannoli Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the cookies tender.
Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring they bake evenly.
Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for a fun twist.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Cannoli Cookies: Mix in some hazelnut spread with the ricotta cheese and use hazelnuts instead of chocolate chips.
Lemon Zest Cannoli Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
Almond Joy Cannoli Cookies: Fold in shredded coconut and chopped almonds along with the chocolate chips for a tropical variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies less creamy.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Ensure your butter isn’t too warm and chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio.
What is the best way to serve these cookies? They are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I use other types of chocolate? Certainly! Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can be substituted depending on your preference.

Conclusion

The Best Cannoli Cookies are an exquisite way to enjoy a traditional Italian dessert in cookie form. Their rich flavor, soft texture, and delightful appearance make them a must-try recipe in your baking repertoire. Whether for a celebration or a simple treat at home, these cookies offer a beautiful blend of taste and nostalgia. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of baking these incredible cookies!