Cannoli Cookie Recipe: A Delicious Twist!
Craving the creamy, sweet taste of cannoli but looking for something a bit easier to handle? Look no further! Cannoli cookies offer the perfect solution, capturing all the delicious flavors of the classic Italian pastry in a delightful, bite-sized treat. This recipe is surprisingly simple and guaranteed to impress.
What Makes Cannoli Cookies So Good?
Cannoli cookies provide a wonderful textural contrast. You get the satisfying crunch of a cookie with the smooth, rich filling reminiscent of traditional cannoli. Plus, they're much less fussy to make than their pastry counterparts. No deep frying required!
The Ultimate Cannoli Cookie Recipe
Ready to get baking? Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, drained well
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Candied citrus peel, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (round or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and candied citrus peel, if using.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookies
- Drain the Ricotta: This is crucial! Excess moisture will make your filling runny. Use cheesecloth to drain the ricotta for several hours, or even overnight.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them!
- Get Creative with Fillings: Experiment with different flavors and additions, like pistachio nuts, chopped cherries, or a hint of almond extract.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
- Chocolate Cannoli Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Cannoli Cookies: Add lemon zest to both the cookie dough and the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Espresso Cannoli Cookies: A touch of espresso powder in the dough will add a rich coffee flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These cannoli cookies are perfect for:
- Dessert platters
- Holiday gatherings
- Potlucks
- A sweet treat with your afternoon coffee
Enjoy the Taste of Italy
With this easy cannoli cookie recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy without all the fuss. These cookies are sure to become a new favorite! Go ahead, give them a try – you won't be disappointed!
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking these delightful cannoli cookies today! Share your creations with friends and family – they'll thank you for it!
