Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies w. Pistachios and Cherries

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

 

Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies with Pistachios and Cherries are delicious, pretty, and perfect for the holidays. They're also delicate. So, when I deliver these sweet treats to friends, I pack them in Rubbermaid TakeAlongs: they protect the cookies and provide an easy, festive package.

That simple package is perfect when my son and go "Elfing." Have you ever heard of it? I never did, growing up in New York City; now that we're living in the 'burbs I've been introduced to this fun tradition. Basically, you go to your friends' and neighbors' homes and secretly drop off treats on their doorsteps. It's a nice way to share the holiday with the people around you.

I got this printable sign here, isn't it cute?

Elfing is such a nice way to celebrate the season of giving. It's not about spending a lot of money; it's about making friends feel special. That's why I think homemade treats for Elfing are especially meaningful: they reflect the time and energy you put into the package. My Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies with Pistachios and Cherries feature two of my family's favorite traditional recipes: my cannoli cream and pizzelle cookies. These sandwich cookies have unique seasonal touches—like white, red, and green ingredients inspired by Christmas—that make them a special holiday gift. And, of course, it's great fun for my son to take our family's own traditions to go, when we secretly deliver to his friends' houses!

My son, ready to do his Elfing duties!

These cookies are super easy, especially if you use store-bought ricotta and pizzelle cookies (these are Italian waffle cookies and can be found in Italian specialty stores or in many supermarkets, near the bakery section).

 

Ingredients
makes a dozen large sandwich cookies

• 2 cups ricotta (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup raw pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cherries, minced
• 24 pizzelle cookies (homemade or store-bought)
• powdered sugar, optional

Place the ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest in a food processor or blender. Process for two to four minutes until thick and smooth. Fold in the pistachios and cherries.

Place a pizzelle on a plate or board. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cannoli cream mixture onto the cookie and spread it almost to the edges. Top with another cookie, then dust with powdered sugar. Keep assembling this way until all your Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies are done. Then stack them in your sturdy Rubbermaid TakeAlongs and get ready to deliver to your buddies.

Pizzelles are very thin, buttery, and delicate. When you first make these sandwiches, the cookies will be crisp. If they sit for a while, sandwiched around the cannoli cream, the cookies will soften and become cakey. Either way, they taste yummy.

 

Now, I'm not a crafty gal. Luckily, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are available in festive red, green, or holiday prints, so you can share the holiday in style. I just used a rectangular container, tied with a simple white ribbon and decorated with a snowflake (to match my "snowflake" pizzelle cookies). It looks so snazzy, right?

 

I found my Rubbermaid TakeAlongs in the Housewares section at Walmart, right in the food storage aisle. A variety of sizes, shapes, and colors are available—there's even a deviled egg tray! Don't miss the special Ibotta rebate now for Walmart shoppers: you'll get $1 off of any two Rubbermaid TakeAlongs. That rebate makes this a great time to stock up for your own Elfing adventures, so you can take your family's favorite recipes and traditions to go.

Make sure you check out all the cool holiday styles of Rubbermaid TakeAlongs for fun and easy packaging. How will you share the holiday with your friends and neighbors?