Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Name: Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies: Irresistibly Creamy Delight!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Cookies: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Filling: 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Posted on November 20, 2025

Dessert

Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies: Irresistibly Creamy Delight!

Sensory-Rich Introduction with Immediate Craving

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, pillowy cookie, only to discover a luscious, creamy filling that dances on your palate. The Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience. Inspired by the classic Italian cannoli, these cookies bring together the rich flavors of ricotta cheese, a hint of citrus, and the delightful crunch of mini chocolate chips. Each bite is a celebration of texture and taste, perfect for festive gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply as a sweet indulgence after a long day. Picture serving these cookies at a holiday party, where their elegant dusting of powdered sugar and inviting aroma will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Texture Contrast: The soft, chewy cookies paired with the creamy filling create a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
Flavor Balance: The sweetness of the cookies is perfectly balanced by the rich, slightly tangy ricotta filling, enhanced by a touch of citrus zest.

Versatility: These cookies can be enjoyed year-round, making them suitable for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations.
Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats with confidence.
Universal Appeal: The combination of familiar flavors makes these cookies a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring they will be a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Tools & Preparation Strategy

Mixing Bowls: Essential for efficiently combining ingredients and keeping your workspace organized.
Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough, ensuring the right texture.
Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly, preventing any warping.

Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup, making your baking experience hassle-free.
Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and maintaining their delightful texture.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking, which is crucial for consistent results.

Spatula: Useful for transferring cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack without breaking them.

Ingredients & Their Roles in This Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

For the Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cookies.
Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to a tender texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a golden color during baking.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

For the Filling:

Ricotta Cheese: The star ingredient, providing creaminess and a slight tang.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Introduces a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Orange Zest: Brightens the filling with a refreshing citrus note.

Substitutions:

Mascarpone Cheese: For a richer filling, swap out ricotta for mascarpone.
Chopped Pistachios: Use instead of chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling: While the cookies cool, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and orange zest in a bowl until smooth.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich.

Dust and Serve: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips for Flawless Results

Make-Ahead: Bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container to save time.
Storage: Keep filled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Equipment Recommendations: A stand mixer can make the creaming process easier, but a hand mixer works just as well.
Customization Options: Experiment with different fillings, such as adding lemon zest or using flavored extracts for a unique twist.

Avoid These Common Cooking Mistakes

Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Not Cooling Cookies Completely: Filling warm cookies can cause the filling to melt. Ensure cookies are at room temperature.
Using Wet Ricotta: This can make the filling runny. Drain ricotta well before use.
Baking at Too High a Temperature: This can cause cookies to brown too quickly. Stick to 350°F (175°C).

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: This can affect texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
Skipping the Zest: This can result in a flat flavor. Always include citrus zest for brightness.
Filling Cookies Too Early: This can make them soggy. Fill just before serving for best results.

Creative Variations & Customizations

Lemon Cannoli Cookies: Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the filling for added texture.
Seasonal Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg for a plant-based alternative.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Espresso: A classic Italian pairing that enhances the flavors of the cookies.

Fresh Berries: Their tartness provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle adds indulgence and richness to the dessert.
Sweet Dessert Wine: Complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Whipped Cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and lightness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A delightful combination that creates a decadent dessert experience.
Candied Orange Peel: Offers a citrusy twist that echoes the flavors in the cookies.

Italian Pastries: Serve alongside other Italian desserts for a themed dessert table.

Storage & Meal Prep Instructions

Fridge Storage: Keep filled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling.

Reheating: If desired, warm cookies slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Facts & Health Insights

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 sandwich cookie)
Calories	250
Sugar	15 grams
Sodium	150 milligrams
Fat	10 grams
Saturated Fat	6 grams
Unsaturated Fat	3 grams
Trans Fat	0 grams
Carbohydrates	35 grams
Fiber	1 gram
Protein	4 grams
Cholesterol	30 milligrams

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

Ricotta Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.
Orange Zest: Rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat ricotta? Yes, but it may affect the creaminess of the filling.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much? Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend.

What can I substitute for powdered sugar? You can blend granulated sugar in a blender until fine, but the texture may differ slightly.
How long do these cookies last? Filled cookies are best enjoyed within 3 days, while unfilled cookies can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I add more chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

What if my filling is too runny? Ensure your ricotta is well-drained, and consider adding more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Can I freeze the filled cookies? It’s best to freeze unfilled cookies and fill them just before serving for optimal texture.

Final Inspiration & Kitchen Confidence

As you embark on the journey of making Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies, remember that baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy. Celebrate your achievements in the kitchen, whether it’s your first batch or your hundredth. Embrace the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and techniques. Your kitchen is a canvas, and these cookies are just the beginning. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home. Happy baking!