There’s just something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, isn’t there? It instantly brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, laughter echoing as we waited for that sweet, golden goodness to emerge. Today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite treat: The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies Recipe in 6 Simple Steps. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cannoli, combining rich ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips into a soft, chewy bite. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they vanished within minutes! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re a hit with everyone. So, let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, providing structure and a lovely chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly, balancing the richness of the ricotta.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient! It gives these cookies their unique flavor and wonderful creaminess.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor, making every bite taste divine.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little helper provides the lift for our cookies, making them light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: These delightful morsels add a touch of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A light dusting at the end gives these cookies a beautiful, finished look and a touch of sweetness.
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get those cookies baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies Recipe in 6 Simple Steps in no time.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot by the time your cookie dough is ready to go in!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be dreamy!
- Now, add in the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. I love how creamy it looks at this stage!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; you want those cookies to be soft and tender!
- Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips—this is where the magic happens! You can already imagine the gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a little as they bake.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Oops! Don’t forget to keep an eye on them; ovens can be tricky!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Delightfully rich flavor that combines the classic taste of cannoli in a cookie.
- Perfectly chewy texture with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
- Great for any occasion—from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened; it should be just soft enough to leave an impression when you press it with your finger. If it’s too cold, your cookies won’t spread as they should. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour—this can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for!
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; every oven is different! You might find that yours bake a little faster or slower than the suggested time, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. Lastly, letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set up just right. Happy baking!
Variations
Get ready to have some fun with The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies Recipe in 6 Simple Steps! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste. For a twist, try using dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy kick! If you’re a fan of nuts, fold in some chopped walnuts or pistachios for extra crunch. And for a fruity touch, consider mixing in some dried cherries or cranberries. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful cannoli cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh! To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Enjoy every bite again!
Nutritional Information
Each cookie is approximately 120 calories, making them a sweet treat that’s easy to enjoy. They contain about 5g of fat, 2g of protein, and 16g of carbohydrates. Please note that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary. If you’re counting calories or following a specific diet, be sure to adjust based on any substitutions you make. Enjoy your delightful cannoli cookies without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese? Absolutely! If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Easy peasy! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I add different mix-ins? Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a splash of orange zest for that extra pop of flavor. The fun part of baking is personalizing it!
What do I serve these cookies with? These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert! Enjoy every bite!
Print
The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies Recipe in 6 Simple Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies Recipe in 6 Simple Steps
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
- Let the cookies cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can add chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cannoli Cookies, Italian Cookies, Dessert Recipe