Description
Enjoy the classic Italian dessert in a fun, bite-sized form with these Cannoli Cookies featuring a perfectly crispy shell and luscious, creamy ricotta filling. Quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any occasion and customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Shell Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: mini chocolate chips or candied fruit for mix-ins
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten egg and vanilla extract, then add to the flour mixture. Knead gently to form a smooth, delicate dough without overworking.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll thinly for crispier shells.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- Shape the Shells: Wrap each dough circle around a metal cannoli tube, sealing edges with water or beaten egg to form tubes.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry each shell for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Cool completely before sliding off the tubes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips or candied fruit if desired.
- Fill the Shells: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the cooled cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture, filling both ends generously.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with chopped pistachios or chocolate chips. Serve immediately or chill briefly.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly for easier rolling and crispier shells.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and perfect color.
- Drain fried shells well to prevent sogginess and preserve crunch.
- Use fresh, smooth ricotta for a creamy filling.
- Fill shells just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cannoli Cookies, Italian dessert, ricotta filling, crispy shells, bite-sized dessert
