Like typical thumbprint cookies, a finger or kitchen utensil like a spoon can be used to create the divot on the surface of the cookie dough. The dented cookies are baked and cooled before the ricotta mixture is added to each one, and Italian grandmothers around the world can embrace this coming together of dessert recipes.
Use a piping bag or plastic bag with a cut corner to squeeze the ricotta mixture into the center of the set cookies for a quick and clean culinary project. Once you’ve mastered the basic process, you can experiment by adding lemon zest, cinnamon, or mini chocolate chips onto the surface of your cookies for an extra boost of flavor. When served with a freshly made espresso, a good Prosecco, or an Italian dessert wine such as a vin santo, these cannoli-flavored cookies will have you sitting back and pretending you’re basking in a Palermo piazza.
