Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cookies
Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining all the beloved flavors of cannoli in a bite-sized cookie. They’re soft and slightly chewy, with a hint of sweetness from the ricotta and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.
These cookies are a perfect holiday treat, with their unique flavor profile making them ideal for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply baking for the season, these cannoli cookies are sure to impress.
The rich taste of ricotta paired with the crunch of pistachios and chocolate chips creates a perfect balance, making them an irresistible choice for any cookie platter. In fact, once you try them, they may just become your new go-to Christmas cookie!
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Key Ingredients
Cannoli cookies are all about the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta cheese is the star ingredient, lending a soft and rich texture to the dough. The pistachios add a delightful crunch, while the mini chocolate chips provide a sweet bite in every cookie. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg introduces a hint of warmth, and the fresh orange zest gives a subtle citrus note that brightens up the cookies. The dough itself is simple, with all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder helping to give these cookies the right rise and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making these cookies perfectly delicious!
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is soft and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your cookies.
Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination gives your cookies that signature cannoli flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Pistachios and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips. These additions will add a nice texture and burst of flavor to each bite of the cookie.
Chill the Dough
Now, chill the dough for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and giving the cookies a better texture after baking.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls using a mini ice cream scoop, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookies
For the best cannoli cookies, don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape while baking and enhances the flavor. Be careful not to overbake your cookies; the edges should be golden brown, but the centers should remain soft. If you want to elevate the cookies even further, consider drizzling them with melted chocolate or dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving. These small touches can make a big difference in presentation and flavor!
Variations & Customizations
While these cannoli cookies are already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to mix things up! You can add more chocolate chips or try different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, for a different twist. Feel free to swap the pistachios for another type of nut, such as almonds or hazelnuts. You can also top the cookies with colorful sprinkles or a glaze for a festive touch. Experiment with these variations to make the cookies your own!
Why Does the Dough Need to Be Chilled?
Chilling the dough is key to making sure the cookies hold their shape while baking. The ricotta cheese in the dough makes it soft and sticky, so chilling helps firm it up. This also allows the flavors to meld together, making the cookies even tastier once baked.
Leftovers & Storage
If you happen to have leftover cookies (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, refrigerate them for up to a week to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies (without any chocolate drizzle) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing!
FAQ
What are cannoli cookies?
Cannoli cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional Italian cannoli, combining the classic flavors of cannoli—like ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and chocolate—into a cookie form. These cookies are often studded with pistachios and mini chocolate chips.
How would you describe cannoli?
Cannoli is an Italian pastry made of fried dough shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often flavored with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts.
How does cannoli taste?
Cannoli has a sweet and creamy filling with a slight tang from the ricotta, balanced by the crunchy, slightly sweet shell. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a beloved treat.
Who is known for cannolis?
Cannolis are most famously associated with Sicilian cuisine, particularly in Italy. However, many Italian-American bakeries, especially in New York and New Jersey, are also known for serving up delicious cannolis.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Soft & Chewy
- Christmas Crack Saltine Cracker Toffee
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies Holiday Recipe
- Christmas Puppy Chow Holiday Snack
- Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Conclusion
Cannoli cookies bring a festive twist to the classic Italian dessert, offering the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures. They’re easy to make and ideal for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them out for yourself, and you’ll see why they might just become your new go-to holiday treat. Don’t forget to add your own personal touch with some melted chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar for that extra festive flair!
For more great holiday recipes and inspiration, check out Pinterest.
Cannoli Cookies
Equipment
- Oven Preheat to 325°F for baking.
- Baking sheet Line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1-2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, ricotta, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Combine with the wet mixture.
- Fold in the pistachios and mini chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and enhances flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Scoop dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are light golden brown.
