Oh my goodness, have you ever thought about the heavenly fusion of Italian cannoli and thumbprint cookies? Trust me, these Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat that will have everyone swooning. I came up with this recipe one rainy afternoon when I had a craving for both sweet ricotta and buttery cookies. It’s like a party in your mouth! The cookie’s soft, crumbly texture perfectly complements the creamy ricotta filling, all while being dotted with chocolate chips for that extra indulgence. Plus, they’re so easy to make! They’ve become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience them too. You’ll be reaching for seconds, I promise!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies. Trust me, each one plays a crucial role in bringing out those amazing flavors!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This will give your cookies that rich, buttery flavor and a lovely texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This sugar will help create that perfect balance in your cookie dough.
- 1 large egg: It binds everything together and adds moisture. You want it to be at room temperature too!
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds an aromatic sweetness that complements the ricotta filling beautifully.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookies. Sift it before measuring for a lighter texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps your cookies rise and become nice and fluffy!
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, trust me on this one!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star of the filling! Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the ricotta filling while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips: These add little bursts of sweetness in every bite—absolutely necessary!
How to Prepare Italian Cannoli Inspired Thumbprint Cookies
Making these delightful Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will impress everyone. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each part so you can create these tasty treats with confidence!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Cream
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, let’s cream the butter and sugar! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that perfect texture!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to mix them well to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt. This will help your cookies rise beautifully!
Forming and Baking Cookies
Now, combine the wet and dry mixtures. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t forget to make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb—this is where the magic happens! Bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. You’ll know they’re done when you see just a hint of golden brown!
Preparing the Filling
While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up the ricotta filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy consistency that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
Filling Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s filling time! Gently fill each thumbprint with the ricotta mixture using a small spoon or a piping bag. Trust me, the combination of the buttery cookie and the sweet, creamy filling is going to blow your mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful fusion of classic thumbprint cookies and the rich flavors of Italian cannoli.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.
- Each cookie is filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and chocolate chips for that sweet surprise.
- They make a stunning addition to any dessert table or holiday gathering.
Nutritional Information
Each of these delightful Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies is estimated to contain around 150 calories, with about 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of sugar per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy the balance of flavor and indulgence in every bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this will help with that lovely texture we’re aiming for. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough for about 30 minutes if it feels too sticky; this will make it easier to handle.
For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed fresh! If you want to mix things up, try different fillings like mascarpone cheese with a hint of orange zest or even a dollop of fruit preserves for a fruity twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy experimenting!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese for the filling? Absolutely! While ricotta is traditional for these Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies, you can experiment with mascarpone or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
What if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Just chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will make it much easier to roll into balls.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, roll it into balls, and freeze them. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies!
How should I store leftover cookies? Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be delicious for days!
Can I add different flavors to the ricotta filling? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some vanilla extract, citrus zest, or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist on the filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies before filling them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature and fill them with the ricotta mixture. No need to reheat—these cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, letting that creamy filling shine!

Italian Cannoli Inspired Thumbprint Cookies You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies combine the flavors of Italian cannoli with the classic thumbprint cookie. They are filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips.
- Fill each thumbprint with the ricotta mixture after cookies cool.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
- Use different fillings for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: italian cannoli inspired thumbprint cookies, thumbprint cookies, cannoli cookies