Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannoli are a fun, healthier twist on the traditional cannoli, combining the rich, creamy filling of a classic cannoli with the delicious crunch of a chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is lighter than the classic version by using lighter ingredients that are more WW-friendly, but still delivers the same satisfying flavors you crave. The cannoli shell is made using a chocolate chip cookie dough base, while the filling is typically made with a mix of low-fat ricotta or cream cheese, and a touch of vanilla and sweetener for a lighter version of the creamy filling.
What makes these Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannolis so special is how they balance indulgence with a lighter, healthier spin. Instead of deep-frying the traditional cannoli shells, these are baked in the shape of a cannoli, giving them that crisp, golden texture without the added calories and fat. The cookie dough shell is a fun and unique way to add a twist on a traditional dessert. Plus, you can fill these with a rich, creamy ricotta filling that’s lightened up using a sugar substitute and low-fat ingredients, making these cannolis much more WW-friendly.
This dessert is perfect for a special occasion, like a dinner party, or as a fun treat when you want to indulge a little without blowing your points. The great thing about Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannolis is that they’re customizable. You can fill them with a variety of lighter fillings such as low-fat Greek yogurt mixed with a little vanilla extract or even a whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. You can also adjust the amount of chocolate chips in the filling or on the outside of the cannoli to suit your tastes.
The Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannoli is a creative, indulgent dessert that lets you enjoy a classic Italian treat with a healthier twist. It’s easy to make, and you can prepare it in advance, making it an ideal dessert for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a fun and unique treat on your own, these cannolis will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt!
Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannoli Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Shells:
- 1 package reduced-fat chocolate chip cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Or use your favorite WW-friendly cookie dough recipe
- Mini chocolate chips (optional, for added flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, well-drained, for a lower-calorie version)
- 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (like Stevia, Swerve, or Erythritol)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional, for mixing into the filling)
- Chocolate chips (for sprinkling on the outside, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Roll out the reduced-fat chocolate chip cookie dough on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, slice it into 12-14 equal-sized pieces.
- Gently roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it slightly into a small round disk, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
3. Shape the Cookie Shells:
- Place the flattened dough circles on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- To shape them into cannoli-like shells, you can wrap the dough circles around metal cannoli tubes or a rolling pin. If you don’t have cannoli tubes, you can use rolled-up foil or create makeshift tubes with parchment paper. Make sure to grease the tube lightly to prevent sticking.
- If you want extra chocolatey shells, sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto the dough before baking.
4. Bake the Cookie Shells:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp.
- Once done, carefully remove the baked cookie shells from the tubes while they are still warm (they’ll firm up as they cool). Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Filling:
- While the cookie shells are cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat ricotta cheese and fat-free cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- If you like, fold in the mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
6. Fill the Cannolis:
- Once the cookie shells have cooled, carefully pipe or spoon the creamy filling into each shell. You can use a piping bag for a cleaner presentation or a small spoon if you don’t have one.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a few more mini chocolate chips on the ends of the cannolis for extra sweetness and decoration.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy these lighter, Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie Cannolis as a delicious dessert!
Tips:
- Cookie Shell Options: If you don’t have cannoli tubes, you can bake the dough into small cookie cups, and then fill them with the cannoli filling, creating a “mini cannoli cup.”
- Dairy-Free Option: You can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta alternatives. Coconut cream or cashew cream would work well in place of the dairy cream cheese.
- Sweetener: Feel free to adjust the sweetness level of the filling based on your preference. You can add more powdered sugar substitute or use a touch of honey or maple syrup (though that will change the WW points).
- Storage: These cannolis are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
