When the craving for something sweet and indulgent strikes, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches. Imagine soft, fluffy cookies sandwiched with a rich, creamy filling that whispers of Italian desserts. The moment you bite into that delightful combination, it’s a symphony of flavors—sweet chocolate chips, a hint of cinnamon, and the luscious texture of ricotta cheese. What could be better?
This recipe came to life during a casual afternoon with friends, where we were all seeking a step up from our usual desserts. With each bite, these cookie sandwiches became a crowd favorite, ensuring no leftovers lingered on the platter. Plus, they strike the perfect balance between being effortless to whip up and impressive enough to wow your guests.
Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into making these Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches that will steal the spotlight at any gathering or simply brighten your weeknight treat routine!
Why You'll Love This Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches
- These Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.
- The flavor combination of fluffy cookies and creamy ricotta filling, accented with mini chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, is simply irresistible and sure to delight your taste buds.
- Their versatility means you can customize them with different mix-ins or toppings like chopped pistachios for an extra crunch, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, the visual appeal of these delicious sandwiches makes them a stunning addition to any dessert table, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches Ingredients
Dive into the delightful world of Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches with these essential ingredients!
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter – softening the butter helps create a fluffy cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – this sweetens the cookies, giving them a delightful sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs – they bind the ingredients together, ensuring a perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a warm, inviting flavor that enhances the cookies.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of your cookie dough, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise, giving them a nice lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and a hint of spice to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – optional, but they add delightful bursts of chocolate.
For the Cannoli Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese – the creamy star of this filling; make sure it’s drained well for the best texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the filling while helping it hold its shape.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings a lovely depth of flavor to the cannoli filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – echoes the spice in the cookies for a harmonious taste.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – perfect for adding extra sweetness and texture to the filling.
For Garnishing
- Chopped pistachios – optional, but they add a delightful crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Get ready to create these irresistible Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches and indulge in a sweet treat that is sure to impress!
How to Make Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
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Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enrich the batter with its sweet aroma.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. This helps ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. If you choose, fold in the mini chocolate chips for delightful bursts of sweetness.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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Mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious, rich cannoli filling!
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed in the filling.
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Spread or pipe a generous amount of the cannoli filling onto the flat side of one cooled cookie. This will be the base of your sandwich.
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Top with another cookie, placing it flat side down to form a delightful sandwich.
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Roll the edges of the filling in chopped pistachios, if desired, for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
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Chill the assembled cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the filling. This step helps everything hold together better.
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Serve your Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches chilled or at room temperature—it’s hard to resist either way!
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate for an decadent finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches?
Creating the perfect meal often involves harmonizing delightful flavors and textures that elevate your dining experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of fruits will offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet and creamy cookies, cleansing the palate beautifully.
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Italian Espresso: The bold, rich flavor of espresso pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite even more indulgent.
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Chocolate Mousse: A light, airy chocolate mousse brings decadence, playing off the chocolate chips in the cookies and deepening the dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds a creamy element that resonates with the cookies’ filling, creating a luscious blend that’s irresistible. A scoop of ice cream alongside the cookies creates a nostalgic feel of a classic dessert moment.
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Lemon Sorbet: The zesty, icy notes of lemon sorbet will provide a bright, tart balance that cuts through the richness of the Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches, refreshing your taste buds.
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Chilled Mint Tea: A soothing beverage like mint tea complements the cookies’ flavors without overpowering them, offering a light, aromatic sip for a delightful after-dinner treat.
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Pistachio Biscotti: For an added crunch, serve with pistachio biscotti; their nutty flavors will echo the cookie garnish while providing a delightful dipper.
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Almond Milk: This nutty, slightly sweet drink makes for a gentle companion that harmonizes with the flavors of the cookies, delightful whether served chilled or warm.
How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches
Fridge: Store assembled Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep the cookies soft and the filling fresh.
Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled and layered with parchment paper in an airtight container.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies slightly warmed, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. However, the filled sandwiches are best served chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Assembly Tip: If freezing the assembled cookie sandwiches, consider freezing them individually wrapped. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime without defrosting the whole batch!
Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches Variations
Feel free to personalize your Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches with these delightful twists that will make this recipe your very own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for deliciously tender cookies.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the cookie dough for a satisfying crunch. Nuts add texture and richness, enhancing every bite!
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling, while still ensuring you have that creamy goodness. Perfect for those with lactose sensitivities!
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the cookie dough for a surprising hint of heat that pairs nicely with the sweet!
- Syrupy Sweet: Drizzle the assembled sandwiches with a honey or maple syrup glaze for an added layer of sweetness that makes each bite luscious.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap out ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese in the filling for a richer flavor profile; each offers its own creamy twist.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange into the ricotta filling for a fresh, zesty note that brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Frozen Treats: Freeze the assembled sandwiches for an exciting summer treat—just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving for that perfect creaminess!
With these creative variations, each batch of Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches can take on a new personality, ensuring never-ending joy with every bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor. You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by forming it into balls, placing them on a baking sheet, and covering them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Additionally, the ricotta filling can be mixed up to 3 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the cookies, let them cool completely, then assemble the sandwiches by spreading the filling between each cookie. With these tips, you’ll have an easy dessert ready to impress your guests or sweetness waiting for a weeknight treat!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture in your Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches, as this helps achieve that light and fluffy consistency.
- Avoid overmixing the cookie dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies; mix until just combined for a tender bite.
- When making the cannoli filling, make sure to drain your ricotta cheese well to prevent a watery filling that can ruin the sandwich structure.
- For even baking, remember to rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time to ensure all cookies bake evenly at the perfect temperature.
Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, ensure your ricotta cheese is fresh and creamy. Look for ricotta with a smooth texture and avoid any that appears watery or grainy. Your butter should be at room temperature—softened but not melted—allowing for easy creaming with the sugars.
What is the best way to store Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches?
I recommend keeping your assembled Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the cookies remain soft and the filling stays fresh. If you notice the cookies getting a bit dry, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture!
Can I freeze Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze your Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches, it’s best to freeze the cookies unfilled. Once they are completely cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. For assembly, simply take them out and prepare the filling just before you’re ready to enjoy.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too dry or crumbly?
If your cookie dough feels too dry, don’t worry! This can happen if the flour is packed too tightly or if it’s an overly dry day. Simply add a teaspoon of milk gradually until the dough comes together nicely. Avoid overmixing as you incorporate the wet ingredients, and you’ll achieve a perfect texture.
Are there any dietary considerations when making Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches?
For allergies, I often recommend checking that the ricotta cheese is gluten-free if needed, and using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re catering to vegans, you could substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative for a similar texture.
How long should I chill the assembled sandwiches for best results?
Chilling the assembled Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator is key. This time allows the filling to firm up, which enhances the overall texture and makes them easier to handle when serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese drained well
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pistachios optional
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Spread or pipe a generous amount of the cannoli filling onto the flat side of one cooled cookie.
- Top with another cookie, placing it flat side down.
- Roll the edges of the filling in chopped pistachios, if desired.
- Chill the assembled cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Serve your Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches chilled or at room temperature.
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