There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking at the end of a chaotic day. It can hit you like a nostalgic rush, transporting you back to your childhood kitchen while you’re dodging a Lego landmine or negotiating snack time with your little ones. You know that moment when the kids are finally (mostly) quiet, and you can hear the soft hum of the oven working its magic? That’s when the heart of home-cooked comfort really shines. When those Cannoli Cookies come out of the oven, the chaos fades away, and all that’s left is sweet, creamy joy.

Why Make This Cannoli Cookies

Homemade Cannoli Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a lifeline for anyone juggling family, work, and that ever-growing to-do list. It’s like a tasty hug you can hold in your hand; delicious and filled with a comforting filling that whispers sweet nothings. These cookies deserve a spot on your weeknight menu because they bring a little bit of that Italian charm right into your own home, even when you’re elbow-deep in laundry.

Imagine your family gathered around the table, laughter ringing in the air, as you enjoy cookies that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also invoke warm memories of shared moments. They come together so easily that even the most frantic of weekdays can’t keep you from whipping up a batch. They’re a reminder that food is love, and love is best served sweet.

The Heart (and Humor) Behind This Recipe

Once you’ve got your Cannoli Cookies all baked up, you’ll find they have a charm reminiscent of those traditional Italian pastries, minus the mess of frying. Can we talk about how nice it is to skip the frying part? I remember the first time I thought I’d make cannoli the traditional way. It ended in a sticky kitchen and some very disgruntled kids who just wanted dessert. Now, I can enjoy the same flavors wrapped up in a cookie, which makes these treats a true win-win.

That’s the beauty of these Cannoli Cookies they manage to blend so seamlessly into your family’s routine. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or trying to bribe your little ones into helping with chores, these cookies will do the trick and they’ll do it deliciously. So let’s dive into how to make these delightful creations without losing your sanity.

“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Baking Cannoli Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master even on the busiest of days. Plus, once you mix the batter, you’ll find it hard not to sneak a taste of that sweet, ricotta cheese filling. Consider it a perk of being the chef. This is a recipe that fills your kitchen with sounds of joy as the oven works its magic and the kids run around too excited to steal a cookie just yet.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before jumping into the baking fun, let’s gather the star players for our Cannoli Cookies. Here’s what you will need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Now, don’t panic if you find yourself staring at the ingredients, realizing you only have salted butter. Trust me, it still works, and it can even add a little depth to the flavor. Life in the kitchen is all about rolling with the punches.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s dive into the process of making these Cannoli Cookies!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is simple and helps to ensure your cookies are light and fluffy.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Think of it like the “happy” stage of baking.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If it’s a bit thick, don’t worry it will all come together beautifully.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined. Now, this is where it starts smelling heavenly.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s almost like a cozy little blanket for each cookie.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. This gives a nice shape and can double as a mini workout.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; your nose will be your best guide.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this part; they need to cool a bit before they start their sandwich life.
10. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Voilà!

Now you have a plateful of miraculous Cannoli Cookies waiting to be devoured.

Bringing Cannoli Cookies to the Table

When the cookies are finally ready, and you’re ready to call everyone in, it feels like magic. The table becomes a treasure trove of laughter and joy, and the smell of fresh cookies fills the air, coaxing everyone to come together.

When serving Cannoli Cookies, I often like to pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The crunch of the cookie against the creamy filling is a delightful combination that no one can resist. Watching everyone enjoy something you made with your own two hands brings a heartwarming sense of accomplishment.

Saving Cannoli Cookies for Tomorrow

If by some miracle you have any leftovers (unbelievable, but possible), storing them is a breeze. Just toss them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for a couple of days on your counter. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to indulge again, just let them come to room temperature or give them a gentle heat in the microwave. I find that the flavors deepen overnight, making that second day even better.

Here’s a pro tip: If you anticipate leftovers, try to keep the filling separate until you’re ready to assemble. This way, the cookies stay crisp and fresh longer. Nothing like that first bite of a fresh, filled cookie.

Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips

As someone who loves spending time in the kitchen, I’ve picked up a few tricks that can really make the process smoother. Here are a couple of handy suggestions:

1. Ingredient Prep: Take a few minutes before baking to measure out all your ingredients. It saves you that frantic moment when you’re halfway through mixing and realize you’re missing something.
2. Freezing: If you’ve got extra cookie dough, it freezes wonderfully. Just roll into balls, place on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a bag. Whenever the cookie craving hits, you can bake a fresh batch without any hassle.
3. Swap It Out: Don’t have mini chocolate chips? Regular ones work just fine. Want to add a little zest? Throw in a bit of lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist.

Cannoli Cookies

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• Author: Eleanor Mae Jenkins
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious Cannoli Cookies with a sweet ricotta filling, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of the ricotta filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding lemon or orange zest. Keep filling separate from cookies if storing for later to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Family Twists on Cannoli Cookies

These Cannoli Cookies are great as is, but I love experimenting with the recipe for even more fun. You can jazz them up in all sorts of ways. Some days, I toss in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, and other times, I’ll add a little almond extract for a yummy flavor change.

One friend of mine swears by adding crushed pistachios to the filling. It offers a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly. We’ve even had friendly competitions about who can come up with the best twist on the classic cookie. Sometimes, the changes are drastic, and other times they’re subtle, but they all end with happy tummies.

FAQs About Cannoli Cookies

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely, but make sure your mixing bowl and baking sheet can handle it. I once tried to double a batch in my smaller bowl, and let’s just say it led to an unplanned kitchen cleanup session.

What if I can’t find ricotta cheese?
You can try using mascarpone cheese or even cream cheese if necessary. Each one will give a slightly different flavor, but in the world of cookies, a little flexibility goes a long way.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges. You’re looking for a light golden color. They don’t need to be super brown to be cooked through, as they will continue to set up a bit while cooling.

A Final Thought

Desserts like Cannoli Cookies remind us to slow down and take a moment to savor each bite. In the chaos of everyday life, there’s something special about creating a dish that draws everyone together around the table. It’s in these little sugary sandwiches that we find joy, connection, and the sweetest flavors of homemade memories.

So here’s to all the busy kitchens and the little mishaps that turn into laughter, the smell of sweetness, and the warmth of being home. Until the next slow day, may you always find time to create delicious moments with loved ones.