Sweet Cigarette Cookies Filled with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips

This Sicilian-inspired classic features thin, crisp cookies rolled into elegant shapes and filled with a delicious ricotta and chocolate chip mixture.

Finished with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you need to host a dinner party or simply want to impress your family, these cookies will leave everyone speechless.

Ingredients (makes about 12 cookies):

For the sweet cigarette cookies:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for a smoother texture)
• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh touch)

For decoration:

• Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter for the cookies:
   • In a mixing bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites with the powdered sugar until slightly foamy.
   • Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix well.
   • Gradually fold in the sifted flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
2. Bake the cigarette cookies:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Drop a tablespoon of the batter onto the sheet and use the back of the spoon to spread it into a thin circle (about 4 inches in diameter).
   • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
   • Work quickly: lift the warm cookie disk with a spatula and roll it up into the shape of a cigarette (be careful, as the cookie will harden fast!). Repeat for each circle.
3. Prepare the filling:
   • In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the granulated sugar, lemon zest (if using), and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and well combined.
   • Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
4. Fill the cookies:
   • Once the cigarette cookies are completely cool and crisp, pipe the ricotta and chocolate chip filling into both ends of each cookie for an even fill.
5. Decorate and serve:
   • Dust the filled cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips:

• The cookies should be crispy, so make sure to spread the batter thin and roll them immediately after baking while they’re still pliable.
• For an extra indulgent twist, you can dip the ends of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them cool before filling.