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
Scale
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.
