When the craving for something sweet strikes, I often find myself reaching for the flavors of Italy. The first time I tried a cannoli, I was enchanted by its creamy filling and crispy shell. Fast forward to today, and I’ve put my own spin on this classic dessert to create Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches. These delightful treats bring together the best of both worlds: the light, airy pizzelle cookies and a luscious filling made from ricotta and mascarpone, accented with hints of orange zest and chocolate.
Perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in, these sandwiches come together in just 20 minutes, making them a go-to recipe when I want to impress without the fuss. The combination of textures and flavors offers a satisfying crunch, creamy goodness, and a touch of elegance that will leave your guests requesting the recipe. Let’s dive into the simple steps to whip up this irresistible dessert that brings a taste of Italy right to your home!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches
- These Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- The delightful combination of creamy ricotta and mascarpone with a hint of orange zest and chocolate will tantalize your taste buds.
- Their stunning visual appeal, with the delicate pizzelle cookies and the dusting of powdered sugar, makes them a showstopper for any gathering.
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be customized with your favorite mix-ins, ensuring everyone will love them.
Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwich Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth!
For the Cookies
• Pizzelle cookies – 12 crispy cookies that serve as the perfect light and airy shell for your dessert.
For the Filling
• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup provides a creamy base that’s essential for the luscious filling.
• Mascarpone cheese – 1/2 cup adds a rich, velvety texture to the mixture.
• Powdered sugar – 1/4 cup sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth consistency.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon enhances the flavor profile with a lovely aromatic note.
• Mini chocolate chips – 1/4 cup brings delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Chopped pistachios – 1/4 cup adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
• Zest of 1 orange – for a fresh, zesty kick that elevates the taste of these Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches.
For the Finishing Touch
• Powdered sugar for dusting – Just a sprinkle adds a touch of elegance and sweetness before serving.
How to Make Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches
-
Combine: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Fold: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest into the cheesy mixture, ensuring every bit is evenly distributed for that perfect flavor boost.
-
Spread: Take one pizzelle cookie and spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto the flat side. Make it a nice thick layer for the best taste!
-
Add Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pistachios over the cheese layer. This will give a wonderful texture and a burst of color to your sandwiches.
-
Sandwich: Top with another pizzelle cookie to form a sandwich, pressing gently to secure everything in place without squishing the filling out.
-
Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining pizzelle cookies and filling until you have a delightful stack of sandwiches ready to impress!
-
Dust & Serve: Arrange the completed sandwiches on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Watch how the powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish!
Optional: Serve with fresh berries for an extra splash of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on these delightful sandwiches and create a version that speaks to your taste buds!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute the ricotta and mascarpone with dairy-free varieties made from almond or coconut for a creamy alternative without the dairy.
-
Nut-Free: Omit the pistachios and replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch, ensuring a nut-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
-
Extra Chocolatey: Increase the mini chocolate chips to 1/2 cup for an indulgently rich flavor that every chocolate lover will adore.
-
Citrus Twist: Swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.
-
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the cheese mixture, creating a warm flavor depth that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
-
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate a teaspoon of fresh mint or basil into the filling for an intriguing flavor that adds freshness and complexity.
-
Cookie Crunch: Crumble some of your favorite chocolate cookies in the filling for added texture and a delightful surprise in every bite.
-
Heat It Up: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder for an adventurous sweet-heat experience.
Let your imagination run wild as you explore these variations, and don’t hesitate to share any delightful discoveries!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches?
These delightful treats deserve a full meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone craving more!
- Espresso Coffee: A perfect partner for dessert, its rich, bold flavor complements the sweetness of the cannoli sandwiches.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries and raspberries add a burst of vibrant color and freshness, balancing the creamy filling beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the indulgence of each bite while adding a fluffy texture.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce over the sandwiches introduces extra chocolatey goodness that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Vanilla Gelato: Serving these sandwiches alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
- Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea offer a light finish after your dessert, cleansing the palate and elevating your dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the ricotta and mascarpone filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply combine the cheeses, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and orange zest as directed, then store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the pizzelle cookies crisp and avoid sogginess. If needed, you can also make the pizzelle cookies up to 24 hours ahead; just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. By following these make-ahead tips, you’ll ensure these treats are just as delightful when it’s time to enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches
Room Temperature: Enjoy these sandwiches fresh for up to 1 day at room temperature, but keep them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling may soften the pizzelle, but the flavors will still be delightful!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled sandwiches in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If desired, re-crisp pizzelle by placing them in a warm oven for a few minutes before enjoying your Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches, ensure your cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- A common mistake is overmixing the cheese mixture; simply mix until combined for the best texture.
- Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling thickly on the pizzelle for maximum flavor in every bite.
- If you prefer a softer filling, allow the assembled sandwiches to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
What kind of pizzelle cookies should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose pizzelle cookies that are freshly made or purchased from a high-quality bakery. Ensure they are crisp and not overly soft, as this will provide the perfect contrast to the creamy filling of your Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches.
How should I store leftover Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches?
Very good question! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While they’ll be delicious, keep in mind that the filling may soften the pizzelle cookies a bit over time. If you’d like an extra touch of crispy, simply pop the assembled sandwiches in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I freeze Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the sandwiches and place them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a delightful texture, you can re-crisp them in a warm oven before serving.
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
No worries! If you find that your filling is too runny, try adding a bit more mascarpone cheese or powdered sugar to thicken it up. Mix well and check the consistency until it reaches your desired thickness. Chilling the filling for 30 minutes in the refrigerator may also help firm it up.
Are these Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches suitable for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! You can make adjustments based on your needs. For a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free pizzelle cookies. If you have lactose intolerance, consider trying lactose-free cheeses for your filling. Just be aware of any nut allergies with the pistachios and omit them, or substitute with a suitable crunchy option like crushed sunflower seeds.
How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
I often suggest playing with your filling! Feel free to mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder for a coffee kick or add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor. Fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit preserves can also be layered inside for a fruity twist. Enjoy experimenting!
Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest into the cheesy mixture.
- Take one pizzelle cookie and spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto the flat side.
- Sprinkle some chopped pistachios over the cheese layer.
- Top with another pizzelle cookie to form a sandwich, pressing gently to secure everything in place.
- Continue the process with the remaining pizzelle cookies and filling.
- Arrange the completed sandwiches on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Leave a Comment