The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a Sicilian-inspired dessert that combines crisp, flaky shells with a luscious, creamy filling, you’re in for a treat with The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe. This delightful homemade recipe captures all the charm of traditional cannoli but with the convenient, snackable form of cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying an everyday sweet tooth, these cannoli cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite because of their perfect balance of crunchy exterior and rich, sweet ricotta filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Captures the classic taste of traditional cannoli with a homemade twist.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy, golden shells paired with silky, creamy filling create a delightful contrast.
• Easy to Prepare: Uses simple ingredients that come together quickly without complicated techniques.
• Customizable: Offers plenty of room for variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Great for Sharing: Individually portioned cookies make sharing and serving effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and appearance of these cookies, ensuring every bite feels special yet familiar.

• Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh, whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest filling with a rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without grit, keeping it velvety.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the creamy center.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Classic mix-ins that give delightful bursts of flavor and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The basis of the cookie shells for crisp and sturdy edges.
• Butter: Creates tender, flaky shells with a buttery richness.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning of the shells.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to structure in the cookie dough.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Optional warming spices for a hint of aromatic flavor in the shells.
• Milk or Water: Helps bring the dough together smoothly and maintain moisture balance.
• Powdered Sugar for Dusting: Gives a beautiful finishing touch for presentation.

Variations for The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

One of the best things about The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe is how easily you can adapt the ingredients or flavors to fit your palate or dietary preferences. Here are some simple variations to try and make the recipe your own.

• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the filling or sprinkle on top for crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Swap the mini chocolate chips for chunks of dark or white chocolate inside the filling.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookie shells safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Fruit Mix-Ins: Stir in small diced candied orange peel or dried cherries for a bright, fruity note.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute dairy ricotta with almond or cashew ricotta and use plant-based butter to make a vegan version.

How to Make The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by combining your all-purpose flour, sugar, and optional spices in a large bowl. Cut the chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add in eggs and a splash of milk or water, then knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Wrap and chill the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up for easier rolling.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Shells

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until thin but sturdy enough to hold shape. Cut the dough into small circles about 3 inches in diameter, which will become your cookie shells. Carefully wrap each circle around a cannoli form or small metal tube, sealing the edges with a little water or beaten egg white.

Step 3: Bake the Shells

Place the wrapped cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let the shells cool on the forms briefly, then gently slide them off once fully cooled.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling

While the shells are baking and cooling, prepare the filling by mixing ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Cannoli Cookies

Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each cooled cookie shell with the creamy ricotta mixture. Lightly dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet touch.

Pro Tips for Making The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

• Chill the Dough Well: Keeping the dough cold ensures easy handling and prevents shrinking during baking.
• Don’t Overfill the Shells: Too much filling can make the cookies soggy and hard to eat.
• Use Fresh Ricotta: Fresh ricotta has the best texture and flavor for a creamy filling.
• Seal Edges Properly: Make sure to secure the dough edges tightly around the forms to keep the shape intact while baking.
• Cool Shells Completely: To keep crunchiness, let the shells cool fully before removing from molds and filling.

How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the cookie tops with powdered sugar just before serving or add a dusting of cocoa powder for a chocolatey finish. Fresh chopped pistachios or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a beautiful and tasty touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine like Moscato to highlight their creamy, sweet flavors. Fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices complements the richness and adds a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cannoli cookies on a decorative platter with edible flowers or mint leaves for a festive look. You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners or small dessert cups topped with whipped cream for an elegant presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain crispness. Keep the filling separate if you plan to store assembled cannoli cookies to avoid soggy shells.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie shells on their own in a sealed container for up to one month. Freeze the filling separately in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw before assembling for fresher taste and texture.

Reheating

To revive crispness, warm the cookie shells briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before filling. Avoid reheating filled cookies as the filling may soften or separate.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cannoli shells instead of making the cookie shells?

Yes, using store-bought shells is a great shortcut, but making the cookies at home gives you fresher, customizable results that we highly recommend trying.

What type of ricotta is best for the filling?

Fresh whole-milk ricotta offers the creamiest texture and best flavor. Avoid pre-drained or packaged ricotta that can be too dry or grainy.

How long can I store assembled cannoli cookies?

Assembled cannoli cookies are best eaten within 24 hours to preserve the crunchiness of the shells and freshness of the filling.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based ricotta alternatives and vegan butter substitutes to create a delicious dairy-free version of these cookies.

Are there gluten-free options for the cookie shells?

Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend can yield crisp and tasty shells perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe truly brings a slice of Sicilian delight into your kitchen with an easy, fun, and flavorful homemade treat. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the exciting variations, these cookies will charm your taste buds and impress everyone you share them with. Ready to whip up a batch? Your new favorite dessert is waiting!

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