Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies are an exciting twist on the classic Italian pastry. If you enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of cannoli but want something a little different, these sandwich cookies are the perfect choice. They combine the joy of cookies with the delicious taste of cannoli cream, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Whether you are looking for a sweet snack to enjoy after dinner or a unique dessert to impress your friends at a gathering, these cookies will surely hit the spot. Plus, they are simple to make and a fantastic way to use pantry staples like oats and chocolate chips. Anyone can whip up these cookies, regardless of their baking experience.

Creating these cookies also allows for creativity. You can adjust the fillings or the toppings to your liking. This means you can make them again and again without getting bored! With the additional textures from the oats, pistachios, and the sweet creamy filling, each bite is an adventure in flavor and taste.

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies so you can treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

How to Make Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Making Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies is straightforward, and you’ll find the process quite enjoyable. The combination of buttery cookies and sweet cannoli cream creates a perfect dessert any time of year. Below are the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly when placed in the oven.

2. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step may take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Add the eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure no lumps are present in the flour.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

7. Fold in Oats and Other Add-ins
   Gently fold in the quick oats, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios. The mixture will be thick, and it is essential to ensure that everything is mixed evenly.

8. Scoop the Dough
   Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each scoop for the cookies to spread while baking.

9. Bake the Cookies
   Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

10. Cool the Cookies
    Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Prepare the Cannoli Cream
    In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

12. Fold in Chocolate Chips
    Gently fold in the remaining mini chocolate chips into the ricotta and mascarpone mixture. This step adds extra sweetness and texture to your filling.

13. Assemble the Cookies
    Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of the cannoli cream on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down. Repeat the process for the remaining cookies.

14. Optional Toppings
    If you like, roll the edges of the assembled cookies in extra mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios for added texture and decoration.

15. Serve and Enjoy
    Your Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh for the best taste and experience.

How to Serve Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies make for an excellent dessert at any gathering or simply for a treat at home. You can serve them on a lovely platter for parties or place them in a cookie jar on the kitchen counter for casual snacking.

These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a great afternoon snack. They can also be a sweet ending to family dinners or holiday meal celebrations. If serving at a party, consider adding a small sign next to the cookies to describe their delicious flavors.

For a fun presentation, you can place the cookies on a tiered dessert stand, allowing guests to take their favorites easily. Provide colorful napkins to make the serving area inviting and appealing.

How to Store Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

To keep your Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to a week, maintaining their incredible flavor and texture.

If you plan to keep them for a longer duration, consider refrigerating the cookies. This will help preserve the freshness of the cream. When storing in the refrigerator, layer the cookies with parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.

You can also freeze these cookies if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap each filled cookie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. For the best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Be sure to use fresh ricotta and mascarpone cheese for the cannoli cream to achieve the best flavor. Stale ingredients can make a significant difference in taste.

2. Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they are in the oven. Remove them when the edges are golden, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the tray.

3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to add more powdered sugar to the cannoli cream. You can always taste and adjust as necessary.

4. Try Different Fillings: If you want to change things up, consider adding other flavorings or extracts like almond or orange zest into the cannoli filling for an added twist.

5. Make the Cookies Smaller: If you prefer smaller cookies, you can scoop less dough and reduce the baking time accordingly. Just watch them closely to prevent overbaking.

Variation

You can get creative with these cookies by making some variations. Consider adding flavors to the cookies themselves, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a spice twist. You can even include different mix-ins like dried fruits or shredded coconut for enhanced flavor.

For the filling, consider experimenting with flavored cream cheeses or adding a touch of liqueur (like Amaretto) to the cannoli cream for a gourmet touch. You can also make a chocolate filling by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the cream mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

2. Can I substitute the cheeses in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese for the mascarpone if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. The key is to have a creamy consistency, so ensure whatever cheese you use is softened.

3. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To help prevent the cookies from spreading, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. If in doubt, you can chill the cookie dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies are a fantastic treat that combines the best of both worlds—the delightful crunch of cookies and the rich flavor of cannoli cream. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for something fun and delicious to create. Treat yourself and share these cookies with friends and loved ones for a delicious experience everyone will enjoy!

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