Your New Favorite Treat: Cannoli Cookies
Hey there, fellow cookie lovers! Are you ready to dive into something really special? I’m talking about Cannoli Cookies! These little gems give you that creamy and crispy cannoli vibe but in the form of a delightful cookie. Trust me—these cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup, and they turn out just as delicious as they sound!
Nutritional Benefits
You might be wondering, “Can these cookies be good for me?” While they are definitely a treat, there are some positives! The standout ingredient is the ricotta cheese, which is packed with protein and calcium. Plus, you can control the sugar content by adjusting how much you add. So, by making these at home, you have the option to make a slightly lighter cookie that still feels indulgent!
Fun Variations to Make
- Fruit Twist: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Nutty Flavor: Exchange some of the mini chocolate chips for chopped pistachios or walnuts, which pairs wonderfully with the ricotta.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute to make these a little less sweet without losing the yummy flavor.
Easy Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This way, they’re easy to lift off later!
- In a big mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is my favorite part, as the smell is just divine!
- Next, add in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined—you want it to be really smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring only until you see everything is just combined.
- Now comes the fun part—fold in the mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly mixed throughout your cookie dough.
- Scoop out some dough (about a spoonful) and form it into cute crescent shapes. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each dough ball so they don’t stick together.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. I suggest keeping an eye on them towards the end so they don’t over-bake!
- Once they’re finished, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. The aroma in your kitchen is going to be amazing!
- While the cookies cool, melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler until nice and smooth. Then, drizzle that luscious chocolate over your cooled cookies.
- To finish, give a serious sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for the perfect holiday flair!
- Make sure you let the chocolate set before you dig in or store them away. Enjoy these Cannoli Cookies with your loved ones!
Practical Tips
- If you want softer cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week.
- If you want a fancier presentation, try using a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick shopping list of things you’ll need:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk for mixing
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A cooling rack
- A microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler for melting chocolate
- A cookie scoop or spoon for shaping your cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can try mascarpone for a richer flavor, but ricotta is traditional!
- How do I know when my cookies are done? Watch for golden-brown edges. They’ll firm up a little more as they cool.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Sure! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? The vanilla extract alone will still work beautifully, so no worries!
- How should I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll last about a week. You can also freeze them for later if you want to save some for special occasions!
Did you try baking these Cannoli Cookies? I would love to know how they turned out for you! Share your cookie success stories by connecting with me on Pinterest. Together, let’s keep the holiday spirit sweet with even more delicious recipes!
