Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and Chewy Texture: The ricotta cheese helps create a cookie with a perfect balance of chewiness and lightness.
- Classic Cannoli Flavor: These cookies capture the essence of the traditional cannoli, offering that familiar, sweet flavor in a fun and easy-to-eat form.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this recipe doesn’t require anything special but delivers fantastic results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue to beat until well combined.
-
Add Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
-
Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
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Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a richer, chocolatey twist on the classic cannoli.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough to enhance the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Drizzled Icing: For an extra touch, drizzle some sweet icing or melted chocolate on top of the cookies after they’ve cooled.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta for this recipe?
Yes, part-skim ricotta can be used, but whole-milk ricotta will give the cookies a richer flavor and texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies when you’re ready.
How can I make these cookies crunchier?
For crunchier cookies, you can bake them for an extra 1-2 minutes, but be sure not to overbake them, as they may dry out.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, feel free to get creative by adding mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even candied orange peel for a unique twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for this recipe.
Can I make these cookies larger?
You can make the cookies larger, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes until they are golden brown.
Is the almond extract necessary for this recipe?
The almond extract is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it or substitute it with a bit more vanilla extract.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make them more festive, you can decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a special occasion.
Conclusion
Cannoli Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of the classic Italian dessert into a bite-sized, easy-to-make form. With their rich, buttery flavor and hint of ricotta cheese, they are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a cup of coffee, these cookies are guaranteed to please your taste buds!
Print
Cannoli Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of a classic Italian cannoli in a bite-sized, chewy cookie form! These Cannoli Cookies combine buttery sweetness, a hint of vanilla, and the richness of ricotta cheese for a delightful treat. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue to beat until well combined.
-
Incorporate Ricotta:
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, making sure it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
-
Add the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in size).
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey version of the classic cannoli.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Drizzled Icing: Drizzle sweet icing or melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
