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There’s something absolutely magical about Italian desserts, and these Cannoli Cookies are no exception. If you love the rich creaminess of traditional cannoli but want a simpler, hand-held treat that melts in your mouth, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With the delightful balance of ricotta cheese, the gentle aroma of vanilla and orange zest, and bursts of mini chocolate chips, these cookies capture the heart of a classic cannoli in every bite. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon with coffee, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cannoli Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of ricotta to the bright hint of orange zest, crafting a perfectly balanced texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides creaminess and a tender crumb while controlling saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with gentle browning during baking.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup, well-drained): Key to making these cookies tender and moist with authentic cannoli flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic undertones that complement the ricotta perfectly.
- Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a fresh citrus pop that brightens the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie, ensuring the right structure.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds sweet bursts of chocolate that echo the traditional cannoli filling.
- Chopped pistachios (1/4 cup, optional): Offers a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy cookie.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a delicate, festive touch to the final presentation.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates air pockets in the dough that will give your cookies a wonderfully soft texture.
Step 3: Add Ricotta, Egg, and Flavors
Mix in the well-drained ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. The ricotta is the star here, lending moistness and a tender crumb, while the vanilla and orange zest add beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep your cookies soft.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold mini chocolate chips and the optional chopped pistachios into the dough. These add texture and those delightful bits of sweetness and crunch that make each bite interesting.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just enough for the edges to turn light golden while keeping the centers soft.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
After baking, let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar to add a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness reminiscent of classic cannoli.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The traditional powdered sugar dusting creates a snowy look that’s utterly charming. For an elegant twist, try sprinkling finely chopped pistachios or drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the top. These little extras elevate the cookie’s appearance and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino to highlight their Italian inspiration. Alternatively, serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light dollop of whipped cream can balance their richness, making for a delightful dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Cannoli Cookies Recipe into a stunning gift by stacking them in a decorative tin tied with a ribbon. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert tray with some fresh berries and mint leaves. You can even sandwich a lightly sweetened ricotta filling between two cookies for an inspired nod to the classic cannoli.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft, tender texture. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as this can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delightful cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them at room temperature when ready to indulge.
Reheating
To freshen up the cookies after storage or freezing, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their lovely soft texture and enhances the aromas, as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use whole milk ricotta for this Cannoli Cookies Recipe?
Yes, whole milk ricotta works wonderfully and provides a creamier texture. Just make sure it is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Are pistachios necessary for this recipe?
Pistachios add a lovely crunch and traditional flair, but they are optional. Feel free to omit them if you have allergies or prefer a simpler cookie.
Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract pairs beautifully with ricotta and chocolate chips, giving a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melting. Also, refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products, just dairy and egg.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished you could capture the soul of a traditional Italian cannoli in cookie form, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is your answer. It’s simply irresistible—comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any time you’re craving an authentic Italian sweet with a twist. Bake a batch soon, share them with friends, and watch how quickly they disappear!
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Print
Cannoli Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Cannoli Cookies, inspired by the classic Italian cannoli dessert. Made with creamy ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of orange zest, these cookies are tender, chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect finish. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a unique, homemade treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the well-drained ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and fully integrated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and optional chopped pistachios evenly.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spread during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to add a classic cannoli touch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained before use to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; place in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature before serving.
