Description
Cannoli Cookies are a delightful Italian-inspired treat that combines the rich flavors of ricotta, orange zest, and chocolate chips into a soft, chewy cookie. They capture the essence of classic Sicilian cannoli without the need for pastry shells or frying. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy coffee break, these cookies bring the sweetness of Italy right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
-
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese, well-drained
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
-
- For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Melted dark chocolate, for drizzling (optional)
- Optional Cannoli Cream Filling:
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest; mix well.
- Add ricotta and mix-ins: Fold in ricotta until smooth, then gradually add dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips or pistachios.
- Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges turn light golden.
- Cool and decorate: Let cookies cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Optional filling: Combine ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Chill for 15 minutes, then sandwich between two cookies for cannoli-style treats.
Notes
- Always drain ricotta well to prevent soggy cookies.
- Chill the dough for the perfect texture and shape.
- Use fresh orange zest for authentic Sicilian flavor.
- Don’t overbake—cookies should stay soft in the center.
- For a festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Italian Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cannoli Cookies, Italian Desserts, Ricotta Cookies, Sicilian Cookies, Italian Sweet Snacks, Christmas Cookies, Italian Baking Recipes, Easy Cannoli Cookies