I have breaking news: there is a pajama epidemic.
Some of you may know I’m headed to Austin next month for a blogging conference with some of my best bloggy friends. While there, a friend of mine is throwing a fun little pajama party in her hotel room, so obviously, I am required to wear pajamas. And what I normally wear — ratty, dye-stained shirts and too-small workout shorts–definitely doesn’t cut it unless I want to alienate people.
So I set out to some local chain stores (rhyming with Shmalmart, Shmarget, Rohls, and the like) to find some cute PJ’s to sport for when pictures are likely to be taken at the party. I entered the pajamas/undergarments section of each store prepared to find a couple cute little boxer-tank sets or maybe a fun patterned nightie.
Instead, I entered the Twilight Zone of WTF Pajamas.
Surrounding me were hideously-patterned drawstring pants, often splayed with cartoon characters, with matching cartoon character lace camis. To my left were the most heinous nighties imaginable, making a burlap sack look like a stripper’s negligee. And to make things even more terrifying, those long-sleeved satin PJ pant sets in atrocious patterns.
I mean, WTF.
Often times, I offer my unsolicited advice to parents and married people despite the fact that I am neither a wife nor a parent. I think that my unsolicited advice is smart because often times, I find parents get “kid brain” and stop thinking rationally, probably because they’ve stepped on too many Legos and it has indirectly affected their thinking, or they have become so used to their husband’s presence that they no longer care if he sees them plucking their upper lip hair.
But liiiiike, if I was your husband and you wore one of those abominable, frump-ass nighties to bed, I’d be like WTF. What are you doing in my bed, grandma? And what’s with the adult silk pajama set patterned with miniature elephants? How old are you? Have you no SHAME?
I’m pretty sure I’d be the best husband ever.
So anyways, my quest to find cute pajamas was put to a halt when I decided I didn’t want to wear a Sesame Street character to bed, and conversely, that I didn’t want to look like I was 95 & 1/2. A word to pajama fashion designers out there: WHEEEERE is the section for normal women? All I’m asking for is some reasonably-priced, cotton boxer shorts in a plain color and perhaps a tank top or soft jersey T-shirt, free of stupid logos or slogans or cartoon characters, because I don’t know, that seems creepy to have Elmo on my chest. Sue me.
Since my quest was abruptly ended, I guess I’ll just have to attend the pajama party in street clothes. Or in my ratty jammies and risk people judging me for not having cool-woman pee-jays. I just have to say, I can’t wait to live in a world where I get sleep in plain, color-coordinated separates that make me and my non-existent husband happy and not make me or my non-existent husband feel like they’re in bed with a mass of frump.
Anywhoooooooo, no matter how ya serve them, cannolis never seem to be frumpy. Unless they’re soggy, which is a crime against humanity if I’ve ever seen one. But assuming the world isn’t out to get you, cannolis are always a delicious treat: the satisfying crunch of their crispy outer shell down to the rich, creamy filling piped generously inside. However, I took the cannoli vessel and turned this tasty ship around by adding a cookie dough filling instead of the traditional ricotta.
Um, wow. Kinda makes regular cannolis look a little frump-ass, am I right??
- About 10 pre-made cannoli shells (I use and love Ferrara brand)
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 & ½ cups all-purpose flour
- About 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugars until creamy. Add in the vanilla and milk and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour a little at a time, until the dough has come together and is soft, yet still slightly stiff enough to stand up (not completely as stiff as regular cookie dough, but not goopy, either). Stir in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
- Place the cookie dough into a gallon-sized Ziploc baggy; seal out the air. Snip a corner of the baggy off with scissors and pipe the filling into each of the cannoli shells. Sprinkle the ends of the shell with remaining chocolate chips. Dust with powdered sugar, if you'd like. These are best served immediately, as shells tend to get softer with time.
- *Note: You can usually find pre-made cannoli shells at grocery stores. Sometimes they're found in the frozen aisle, other times in the bakery, and sometimes on the baking aisle (where I find mine). If you can't seem to find them, you can try looking online, replace the cannoli shell with a cake cone (for a different taste), or try making your own cannoli dough--for which you'll need cannoli forms.
These are a seriously indulgent dessert not for the faint of heart! Stuffed with all that buttery, brown sugary cookie dough goodness, the textures in these cannois are outrageous! Crunchy, smooth, crispy, soft… it’s truly an amazing, one-of-a-kind dessert unlike any other classic cannoli! This twist is super fun and also a great no-bake recipe for the summertime! Serve them alongside big scoops of vanilla ice cream 🙂
Have a delicious day!
xo, Hayley
miss messy says
WOW these look fantastic. Definitely my kind of dessert. Super indulgent 🙂
Tanya Schroeder says
These look gorgeous Hayley! Wonderful picture: good enough to eat! Good luck with the pajama quest. I personally love pj’s, but I like them plain and yes it is so hard to find plain, normal person pj’s!
Rachel Cooks says
lol! hilarious post and I am dying over these cannolis…need them NOW!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
You beautiful evil genius you. This is my kryptonite and you know it. *sigh*
On a side note: cute pj’s exist. Victoria’s Secret and like aerie(aka American Eagle’s undies/pj dept) and other such places. You can do it. I believe in you!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Hayley. These are some of my favorite pictures – EVER. Not just from your own work, but EVER. They are beautiful! Stunning. And cannolis are so good. There is just something about them! I have to try them with cookie dough. 🙂 Pinning these babies!
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
ohhhhh cannolis. I feel obligated to buy them everytime I see them at a restaurant, and I’ve been known to buy cannoli shells at the store just to crush up on ice cream. These sound amazing! Can’t wait to try them out.
Heather @ Snookie's Cakes says
I’ve been looking for a cannoli recipe! Thank you.
As for PJ’s, I wear plan color sweatpants (from the workout aisle) and a tank top most of the time. Or my underwear and a tank top. Or nothing at all.
Your welcome for that mental image.
Me says
LOL, you are so right about the PJ thing!! I am married with children and my PJs are old sweat pants cut into shorts and a thread bare hoodie I would not be caught dead in outside the house :-). No one in my house cares, I am all about comfort!
Lori says
These look delicious. I never had a cannoli without ricotta or some other soft cheese though. By the way, many stores have the cannoli shells in the bulk section too so you can buy just as many as you need for a recipe.
thedomesticrebel says
Lori–none of my stores nearby sell bulk cannoli shells–you lucky duck! I wish they did!!
Emily {Pink Tiger in the Kitchen} says
I am utterly in LOVE with cannolis and cookie dough. I never would have thought to combine the 2 so this is beyond genius to me!!
I can’t believe that finding PJs has been such a hassle for you… I would think that the stores you mentioned would have some but I guess I just glance since I wear a ratty oversized tshirt. Good luck on the PJ quest!!
thedomesticrebel says
Exactly — I wear old high school gym shorts and stained with dye T-shirts so apparently I’m out of the cute PJ loop lol.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
OMG. Same boat Hayley! Everything was either (1) skanky or (2) only fits a teens butt.
I’ll wear my sweats with you. 🙂
Carrie Maietta says
You are killing me! Those look incredible! Can’t wait to try them!
Regarding the Jammie’s: girl you are lookin in all the wrong places! Go to Soma! If there isn’t one near you, then visit them online at soma.com
They have the most gorgeously soft and beautiful Jammie’s. I used to work there and we had ladies come in all the time (all ages and sizes) to buy pjs for their girlfriend sleepovers. Personally I’m addicted, as odd as that sounds, to their Cool Nights fabrics. I mean really! My husband wonders how many pj’s does a woman need to own? And I’m not talking sexy smexy stuff. Just lovely, cozy, makes you feel good, beautiful Jammie’s! So you have my blessing…..go pamper yourself! :-). Now time for me to make some cannoli!
thedomesticrebel says
Carrie–we have a Soma store nearby, too! I’ve never been in there, but I’ll head there this weekend. I want cute jammies!! Thanks girl 🙂
Carrie Maietta says
My pleasure! It looks like everyone else is having the same frustration finding nice Jammie’s. so here’s the link to your new addiction… http://www.soma.com/store/browse/shelf.jsp?cat=Sleepwear&catId=cat40092
Also, I wanted to make your cookie dough cannoli to take to my mother-in-law’s, but she makes some killer cannoli! I was afraid I would show here up with your yummies! Haha.
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
A few things:
1. SO JEALOUS of your pajama party.
2. I for sure have Lego brain.
3. THESE LOOK AMAZING!!!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Now these are so gorgeous! What a unique twist to such a classic dessert.
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Haha – there are some pretty hilariously, awful pajamas out there, aren’t there? 🙂
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I didn’t know there was a conference in Austin, which is it? Also bring some of these cannolis tot he pj party!
Liz says
I hear ya on the pj issue! Where do these people come up with such hideous patterns? These cannoli’s, though, are definitely not hideous and need to be on my plate ASAP! They look amazing! 🙂
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Holy cannoli, do these look SO good, Hayley. Your pictures are beautiful, too. Great job, girl!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
You guys are going to have so much fun at the conference! I am a jelly belly- and I think I am a pj hoarder- I have so many, well mainly vitorias secret pink stuff because when it’s on sale I can’t say no! And I for sure would never say no to these cannolis- seriously! COOKIE DOUGH dear hayley please marry me?! These are out of this world I NEED!
Mimi @ Culinary Couture says
Wow, these pictures are stunning! Also, cookie dough in a cannoli–GENIUS!
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection says
I’ve never been a fan of pjs. Is that weird? I always just throw together my most comfy shorts and t-shirt or tank top. Who needs to be cool and color coordinated anyway? I say rock your my comfy, non-matchy attire and own it. Everyone else will be jealous, I’m sure. 🙂 And your pictures look amazing, Hayley! Did you get a new camera? Tell me your secrets!! Oh, and these cannolis also look incredible. Cookie dough anything has my name written all over it!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
Bahahhaha I have seen those nighties in Target – never a good look for anyone. But they DID (like a few months ago) have some super cute Avengers-themed pjs that I now wish I bought because the shorts would be perfect for this disgusting humidity.
Oh also – I freaking love these cannolis. Like dude – how do I get a few dozen of these delivered to me ASAP? 😉
Shelan says
Those look amazing! I’m all over anything cookie dough! 😉
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
I would be afraid to show you the sad state of my PJ’s. They are either ripped, torn or plain baggy. So unattractive. These cannoli though are beautiful! Cookie dough filling?! Are you kidding? Holy moly.
dishing up the dirt says
Pajama shopping is almost as bad as jean shopping! Good luck lady. These cannoli look amazing!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
What an awesome idea! I love cannolis and it’s been too long since I’ve had one. Is it true that raw flour is dangerous to eat? I just got ripped apart on my page for no-bake cookies that had flour in them. 🙁 So sad lol I googled it and couldn’t really find a sure answer.
Eve says
No, flour is not dangerous to eat. They may be thinking about raw cookie dough that you add raw egg too. You can use a cookie mix for this if you are lazy like me. Leave out the eggs.
PapaLos - The Man, The Chef, The Dad says
For some reason, I tried for days and this post wasn’t opening for me. I think the internet was secretly trying to stop me from being ridiculously astonished by these cannolis. I freaking LOVE cannolis and I don’t know why I never tried to make them before. And with the cookie dough, holy crap I can almost taste it, it sounds so good. I need to find some cannoli shells..
Oh, and I too have noticed the PJ’s section for you women when shopping WITH MY WIFE (had to make “with my wife” clear, it’s bad enough I’m a guy with a food blog..). She always joked about getting some of the old lady looking ones like you described and I said if she ever came to bed with those on she would wake up naked and find a trash can with fresh ashes in the backyard. So yeah, good luck with your hunt!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
Hayley! These pictures are amazing! Seriously, they need to be in a magazine! And the cannolis need to be in my mouth!
Ugh, I totally hear you on the pajamas. I seriously wear sweats/old t-shirts all.the.time and I have been looking for some to take to Austin…I’m beginning to think I’ll never find any! Who ARE the people who actually buy that stuff in the stores???
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Absolutely love these, the cookie dough filling is brilliant!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
What a fabulous idea! And I so wish I was going to Blog Her Food in Austin so I could get to meet you! Hopefully next year! And just wear your tshirt and shorts, that’s all I ever wear to bed in the summer!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Going to try this specific recipe very soon. Cannolis are a favorite of mine, and here in NYC I had my share of delicious ones, but I’d love to make my own!
ashley - baker by nature says
I am cannoli obsessed, and these look perfect, lady!!! I want to eat like 17 right now.
thedomesticrebel says
I am going to hold you to all 17 of them.
Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil says
These are so beautiful, Hayley! I must confess, I’ve never tried a cannoli. Clearly, I need to!
Justin says
So, I came for the cannolis but you totally cracked me up talking about the PJ’s. I don’t wear PJ’s either, just whatever is comfy and will keep me warm or cool enough depending on the season. Maybe you could find something not-so atrocious at Old Navy? I know I’ve gotten cute PJ pants there in the past and they probably have PJ shorts or boxers. And, since it is Old Navy you know you can find solid color tee’s and tank tops.
Okay, am I sounding like an ad for ON now? Sorry, didn’t mean to! lol
thedomesticrebel says
Hahahaha I love your shameless Old Navy promotion! But you’re right, I should totally check them out!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Old Navy!! Did you try Old Navy? They have lots of decently normal bottoms. Once I even found these cute little crop pants bottoms that were all linen summery.
P.S. I am LOVING these photos!! And I want to eat ALL the cookie dough cannolis. All. Of. Them.
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds says
You are too funny! I hope you can find some cute pj’s soon!
These cannolis are awesome, they pretty much make regular cannolis sound boooooring! Love the photo’s too, girl!
amallia says
this is looks so appetizing. I’ll eat 10 pieces of it.
Katie says
I am new to your blog, and I love it! I am reading through your old posts, not just for the great recipes, but your stories are the best! Cute pjs are fun… 6+ years into my marriage I try not wearing that baggy tshirt to bed to often 🙂
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
Your pj story totally cracked me up!! I agree that there are some jacked up pj’s out there, I hope you find something cute! 😉 And wowza on the cannolis!!
Cindy says
Where do you find the premade cannoli shells? Thanks!
Cindy says
These look delicious….where did you find the cannoli shells? Thanks!
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Cindy! I found mine at a local grocery store in the baking aisle, but you may have luck finding them in bulk bins at some stores–a couple of readers say they have seen them there! Or, if nothing else, try asking your local bakery to see if they will sell plain shells.
Cindy Burrell says
Thanks! I’ll look in the baking aisle!
Mercedes says
Two of my favorite things combined! What a great dessert!
Liz says
Hello! Can you tell me where to buy pre made cannoli shells in the grocery store? And which stores? I seem to only see them on Amazon. 🙁
thedomesticrebel says
Amazon may be your best bet unfortunately! I found mine at the Nugget Market here in Sacramento.