Homemade Cannoli Chips with Ricotta Dip

Enjoy crispy whole wheat cannoli chips paired with a creamy and sweet ricotta dip. This healthier dessert is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

What are Cannoli chips?

Cannoli chips are essentially crispy bits of the classic Italian cannoli shell. Instead of being rolled into tubes, these chips are cut into bite-sized pieces and fried until they're perfectly golden and crunchy. They’re dusted with powdered sugar, giving them the sweetness you'd expect from a traditional cannoli.

This isn’t just any dip. It’s a creamy, slightly sweet blend of ricotta cheese,

Now, for the star of this dish—the ricotta dip. This isn’t just any dip. It’s a creamy, slightly sweet blend of ricotta cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla. Sometimes, you might even throw in mini chocolate chips or bits of pistachio for added texture and flavor.

When you dip the crispy cannoli chips into this smooth, rich mix, you get a fantastic combination of crunchy and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness.

Let’s dive into what makes Homemade Cannoli Chips with Ricotta Dip delightful!

This treat is perfect for sharing at a party or just as a fun dessert to switch things up a bit. It's a surprisingly easy recipe that brings all the flavors of a traditional cannoli but with a fun, interactive twist. Everyone can dip and enjoy at their own pace! It’s definitely one of those desserts that gets people talking and coming back for more.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients and their amounts needed to make a healthy version of Homemade Cannoli Chips with Ricotta Dip for four servings:

For the Cannoli Chips:

• Whole wheat flour: 1 cup
• Coconut sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Coconut oil (melted): 2 tablespoons
• Egg: 1 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Water: 2-4 tablespoons (as needed)
• Olive oil spray: for baking (alternative to frying)
• Powdered stevia: 2 teaspoons (for dusting)

For the Ricotta Dip:

• Part-skim ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups
• Greek yogurt: ½ cup (optional, for extra creaminess and protein)
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Mini dark chocolate chips: ¼ cup
• Chopped pistachios: 2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)

Instructions Summary:

1. For the Cannoli Chips:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Add melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract, and mix to form a dough, adding water as needed for consistency.
   • Roll out the dough thinly and cut into small rectangles or triangles.
   • Place on a baking sheet, lightly sprayed with olive oil spray, and bake for 8-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
   • Remove and dust with powdered stevia.
2. For the Ricotta Dip:
   • In a bowl, mix part-skim ricotta cheese, optional Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Stir in mini dark chocolate chips.
   • Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.

And there you have it—a healthier version of Homemade Cannoli Chips with Ricotta Dip that's perfect for four people!

Here are some helpful tips and variations for making homemade cannoli chips with ricotta dip:

1. Dough Tips: Use a pasta machine to roll the dough thin for crispy chips. If hand-rolling, aim for uniform thickness.
2. Frying Temperature: Keep oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness without burning.
3. Cooling: Allow chips to drain on paper towels and fully cool for maximum crunch.
4. Ricotta Texture: Strain ricotta cheese using cheesecloth to remove excess moisture for a creamier dip.
5. Sweetness Balance: Adjust sugar levels in the dip to taste, starting with less and adding more gradually.
6. Storage: Store cannoli chips in an airtight container to retain crispness, and keep the dip refrigerated until serving.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the ricotta dip for a classic cannoli flavor.
2. Zest Twist: Mix in lemon or orange zest into the dip for a citrusy kick.
3. Flavor Enhancements: For extra depth in flavor, add vanilla, almond, or cinnamon extract to the dip.
4. Nutty Flavor: Top the dip with crushed pistachios or almonds for added texture and taste.
5. Spice it Up: Dust cannoli chips with cinnamon or cocoa powder before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Dipping Variation: Serve with a mix of dips, including chocolate ganache or caramel sauce, for a dessert platter.

These tips and variations can help you create a tasty and personalized version of homemade cannoli chips with ricotta dip.

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