Cannoli Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cannoli Cookies Recipe brings together the classic flavors of a beloved Italian dessert into an easy-to-make, soft, and flavorful cookie. The blend of ricotta cheese, orange zest, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these cookies such a unique twist that you’ll find irresistible. Whenever I need a special treat that’s impressive yet uncomplicated, this recipe is my go-to.

What makes this Cannoli Cookies Recipe stand out is not just the taste but how effortlessly it fits into any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to festive gatherings. Plus, the addition of pistachios and mini chocolate chips adds that perfect crunch and melty sweetness, which my family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cannoli Cookies Recipe plays an important role in creating those iconic flavors and textures; from the creamy ricotta to the fresh citrus zest and crunchy nuts, it really all comes together beautifully. When selecting ingredients, try to use the freshest ricotta and ripe oranges for zesting to make your cookies truly sing.

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle depth of flavor and balances sweetness perfectly; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives these cookies a gentle sweetness without overpowering the ricotta’s creaminess.
• Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives these cookies that signature creamy, rich base; I always drain mine a little if it seems too wet.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor enhancing all other ingredients.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices layer in that classic Italian warmth and a hint of earthiness.
• Orange Zest: Fresh zest is key for bright, aromatic citrus notes that elevate the cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture tender and soft, not tough.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A combo that helps achieve a light rise and delicate crumb.
• Pistachios: Roughly chopped for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor; fresh is best.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Little pockets of melty sweetness every bite—my secret indulgence here!

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I often play around with different nuts or add a splash of liqueur to the filling for grown-up parties.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap pistachios for sunflower seeds or just omit nuts entirely; still delicious and safe for allergies.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use mini white chocolate chips or a mix of dark and milk chocolate for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend but be mindful of texture changes—adding a bit more ricotta can help.
• Citrus Twist: Try lemon zest instead of orange for a brighter, tangier flavor.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Till Fluffy

Start by placing the softened salted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream them together on medium speed until you see a light, fluffy texture—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step because it traps air in the mixture, giving your cookies a lovely tender crumb. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything combines evenly.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients and Spices

Next, add the whole egg, pure vanilla extract, whole milk ricotta cheese, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to your butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until just combined, scraping the bowl as needed. This step is important to keep the texture smooth without overmixing. I discovered that fresh orange zest makes a huge difference here, so zest right before you start mixing to keep the flavor bright and lively.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, so the cookies rise consistently and don’t have any bitter pockets of baking soda.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until all the flour is combined—don’t overmix or your cookies will get tough. Then fold in the roughly chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout your dough. You’ll notice the dough is a bit wetter and sticky compared to regular cookies, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 5: Chill Dough Before Baking

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though an hour is even better. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making scooping easier and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This is a small step that makes a big difference and one I always make sure not to skip.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats. Using a mini ice cream scoop, scoop out dough balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a light golden brown—the centers should still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Optional Finishing Touches

Once cooled, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the tops or sift powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look. I usually melt some dark chocolate chips and zigzag them with a spoon for a fancy finish that’s surprisingly easy but gives such a stunning result. Either way, these touches add that final WOW factor.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes for these cookies are a generous drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them feel festive and indulgent. Sometimes I even sprinkle chopped pistachios on top after the chocolate drizzle to echo the nutty flavor inside. These simple touches make the cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

When I serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe, I like to pair them with rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino to complement the citrus and spice notes. They also go wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato or fresh berries for an elegant dessert platter. These combos always impress guests and add a little extra joy to the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging Cannoli Cookies on a tiered dessert tray alongside fresh flowers or candied orange slices to create a stunning display. You can also sandwich the cookies with a creamy filling like whipped ricotta or mascarpone for a twist. Packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon makes for charming gifts that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store any leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and soft for up to a week. To maintain their best texture, I recommend placing a slice of bread in the container to help keep moisture balanced—this little trick keeps them from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these cookies either baked or as dough balls. If freezing dough, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or stored cookies, I pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes—this revives their soft texture and melts any chocolate chips slightly. Avoid microwaving for long stretches to keep them from becoming chewy or dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Cannoli Cookies Recipe with you feels like passing on a little piece of my kitchen happiness. These cookies have a way of making ordinary moments feel special, whether it’s an afternoon coffee or a holiday celebration. I hope you enjoy baking and eating them as much as I do, savoring every soft, spiced, and nutty bite. So grab your mixing bowl and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly delightful.

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