I’ve always been a fan of Italian desserts, and one of my absolute favorites is cannoli. The combination of crispy shell, creamy filling, and sweet toppings is simply irresistible. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for cannoli cookies, I knew I had to give it a try. These delightful treats capture all the flavors of a classic cannoli in a bite-sized cookie form. Trust me, once you try these cannoli cookies, you’ll be hooked!
If you’re a fan of cannoli, but find the traditional dessert a bit time-consuming to make, then cannoli cookies are the perfect solution. These cookies offer all the deliciousness of a cannoli, but without the hassle of frying shells or piping filling. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a luscious ricotta filling, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll be enjoying a batch in no time.
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Cannoli Cookies
Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering all the delicious flavors of traditional cannoli in a bite-sized cookie form. These cookies are perfect for those who adore cannoli but find the process of making the traditional dessert time-consuming. With a buttery and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are simply irresistible.
Origin of Cannoli Cookies
The origin of cannoli cookies can be traced back to the iconic Italian cannoli pastry. Cannoli, meaning “little tubes,” are a beloved Italian dessert consisting of fried pastry shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese filling. The combination of the crisp shell and the creamy filling has made cannoli a favorite treat among dessert lovers worldwide.
Cannoli cookies take inspiration from this delectable dessert and transform it into a convenient and portable form. With their small size, they are perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. The cookies capture the essence of a traditional cannoli while offering a more accessible way to indulge in this delightful treat.
Ingredients for Cannoli Cookies
- Butter: Provides a rich and buttery flavor, contributing to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough, ensuring a deliciously sweet cookie.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together, giving structure to the cookies.
- Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.
- Ricotta cheese: The key ingredient that gives the cookies their distinct cannoli flavor. The creamy ricotta filling is incorporated into the dough, infusing every bite with its lusciousness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cookies, complementing the sweetness of the dough.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Step 1: Mixing the dough
To make delicious cannoli cookies, it all starts with mixing the dough. In a large bowl, I combine butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, I add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the cookies. Next, I gradually incorporate flour into the mixture. Mixing it just until the dough comes together is crucial to prevent overmixing and keep the cookies tender. Lastly, I add in a generous amount of ricotta cheese and a splash of vanilla extract. The ricotta cheese adds moisture and a distinct cannoli flavor, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall taste.
Step 2: Rolling out the dough
Once the dough is well mixed, it’s time to roll it out and shape the cookies. To start, I lightly flour a clean surface and divide the dough into small portions. Taking one portion at a time, I roll it into a ball and flatten it slightly. Then, I use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures that the cookies have a tender, yet sturdy texture when baked. As I roll, I dust the surface and the dough with a little flour to prevent sticking. To get perfectly shaped cookies, I use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out round discs. Be sure to gently reshape and reroll any remaining dough until it’s all used up.
Step 3: Baking the cookies
Now that the dough is rolled out and shaped into cookies, it’s time to bake them to perfection. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. I place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between them for spreading. For additional flavor and texture, I sometimes sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit on top of the cookies before baking. Then, I pop the sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown around the edges. The smell of freshly baked cannoli cookies fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist indulging in one straight from the oven.
