Introduction:

Cannolis, the classic Italian pastry, are beloved for their crunchy shell and sweet, creamy filling. While traditional cannolis are a delightful treat, they often come with high sugar and fat content. For those following a Weight Watchers or WW lifestyle, enjoying cannolis might seem like an indulgence that’s off-limits. But fear not! These Weight Watchers Cannoli Cookies allow you to enjoy the flavor and satisfaction of a cannoli while keeping the SmartPoints low and the taste high.

This recipe is designed to provide you with a lightened-up version of the traditional cannoli, transforming the decadent pastry into a healthier, more WW-friendly treat. With a crunchy, crispy exterior and a creamy, lightly sweetened filling, these cookies offer the perfect balance of indulgence and restraint. You can savor the flavor of the classic Italian dessert while maintaining your healthy lifestyle. Whether you are craving a sweet snack, a dessert after dinner, or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, these cannoli cookies will hit the spot!

Ingredients (Makes 12 Cookies):

For the Cookie Shell:

  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Almond flour: ¼ cup (30 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sweetener (like Stevia or Erythritol): 2 tablespoons (or adjust to taste)
  • Unsweetened applesauce: 3 tablespoons (acts as a fat replacer)
  • Egg white: 1 large
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, but it adds a refreshing touch)
  • Cold water: 2 tablespoons (as needed)
  • Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon (melted, or use any other neutral oil of your choice)

For the Filling:

  • Low-fat ricotta cheese: ½ cup (120 g)
  • Low-fat cream cheese: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Powdered sweetener (like Stevia or Erythritol): 3 tablespoons (or to taste)
  • Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
  • Mini chocolate chips: 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish or mix-in)
  • Chopped pistachios or almonds: 2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)

For Garnishing (optional):

  • Cocoa powder: 1 teaspoon (to dust on top)
  • Extra chocolate chips or pistachios: For garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cannoli cookies do not stick to the pan while baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will provide the foundation for the cookie dough. If you’re looking for a more delicate texture or a nuttier flavor, you can add a bit more almond flour, which also gives the dough an additional moistness.

Next, add the granulated sweetener to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. This will sweeten the dough without adding a lot of extra calories. Depending on your preference for sweetness, you may adjust the quantity of sweetener.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg white, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). The applesauce helps bind the dough and gives it a softer texture, mimicking the traditional richness of butter without all the fat. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The dough should come together nicely.

If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, gradually add cold water (one tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a consistency where it can be rolled out without falling apart.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Cookie Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (using almond flour works great for a low-carb option) and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out as many rounds as possible. You should get about 12 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter.

To create the signature cannoli shape, you can wrap each round of dough around a metal cannoli tube or form it into a cylindrical shape on its own. If you don’t have cannoli tubes, simply roll them into logs and shape them into a ring.

Once you have shaped all your cookies, place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cannoli Filling

While the cookies are baking, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the low-fat ricotta cheese and low-fat cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy. This combination creates a rich and velvety filling without the high fat content of traditional full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone.

Add the powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and any additional flavorings you’d like. For an extra flavor kick, consider mixing in some mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Some people like a slightly sweeter filling, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness to balance the sweetness of the cookie shell.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Cookies

Once the cookies are out of the oven and cooled completely, it’s time to fill them. Carefully remove the cookies from the baking sheet and allow them to cool on a wire rack. If you used cannoli tubes to shape the cookies, gently slide the cookies off the tubes after cooling.

Spoon the ricotta cream filling into a piping bag or use a Ziploc bag with the tip of the corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into the center of each cookie, filling the entire length of the shell. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling might spill out when you bite into the cookies.

If desired, sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top of the filled cookies for a decorative and flavorful touch. You can also add chopped pistachios or chocolate chips on top for extra texture and flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For best results, chill the filled cannoli cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together. This will also make the cookies easier to handle when serving.

Serve your Weight Watchers Cannoli Cookies chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful crunch of the cookies with the creamy, rich filling.

Useful Tips for the Best Cannoli Cookies:

  1. Flavor Variations: To add a unique twist, you can experiment with flavoring the filling. Adding a little bit of orange zest or almond extract can give the filling a different, aromatic flair. Try swapping the mini chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins for a traditional touch.
  2. Avoid Overfilling: Be careful when filling the cookies. If you overstuff them, the filling can spill out when eating. A modest filling that fills about ⅔ of the cookie is ideal.
  3. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cookies in advance and fill them just before serving. The dough can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  4. Storage: These cannoli cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s best to store the cookies and filling separately and assemble them right before serving to maintain the crispness of the cookies.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbs: 10 g
    • Fiber: 2 g
    • Net Carbs: 8 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

SmartPoints (WW)

For Weight Watchers (WW) users, these cannoli cookies are a great choice, providing a delicious dessert with lower SmartPoints. The calculated SmartPoints for each cookie are approximately 3 points per serving, making it a smart option for a satisfying sweet treat without breaking your daily points budget.

  • SmartPoints: 3 points per cookie
  • SmartPoints (Freestyle): 3 points per cookie
  • PersonalPoints™: Depending on specific ingredient choices like the type of sweetener or ricotta, the PersonalPoints may vary.

Low SmartPoints Strategy: To further reduce SmartPoints, you can swap out the low-fat ricotta and cream cheese for fat-free options, or reduce the amount of chocolate chips and nuts used as garnishes.

Conclusion:

These Weight Watchers Cannoli Cookies offer a healthier alternative to the classic Italian dessert, allowing you to indulge in the flavors of the beloved cannoli while staying on track with your WW or low-calorie lifestyle. The combination of crunchy cookie shells and creamy, lightly sweetened filling makes for a perfect treat without compromising your health goals. With the right balance of flavor, texture, and SmartPoints, these cannoli cookies are sure to be a hit whether you’re enjoying them for a sweet snack or a festive occasion.

Try this recipe today and treat yourself to an authentic cannoli experience with a Weight Watchers-friendly twist.