Name: Cannoli Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484327H53M
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips; ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios (optional); Zest of one orange

Description

Soft, cake-like Cannoli Cookies bring the flavors of Italian cannoli into a delicious and easy-to-make cookie. Featuring ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, citrus zest, and cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or an everyday treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup finely chopped pistachios (optional)

Zest of one orange

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and ricotta cheese until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and orange zest.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to improve texture and prevent spreading.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

For added flavor, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Notes

Draining Ricotta: Place ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Variation: Try using white chocolate chips or chopped almonds for a different flavor twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian