Who doesn’t love the crispy, creamy goodness of a classic cannoli? Now imagine all that deliciousness wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. Yep, that’s exactly what we’re making today! Cannoli Cookies take all the best flavors of the iconic Italian dessert—ricotta, chocolate chips, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon—and bake them into a treat that’s part cookie, part pastry, and 100% irresistible.
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Trust me, these cookies are about to become your new favorite. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and indulgence, with a texture so soft it practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something special, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, sharing a treat with loved ones, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required! If you can mix, scoop, and bake, you’ve got this.
- Authentic Cannoli Flavors: The ricotta, citrus zest, and chocolate chips mimic the classic dessert beautifully.
- Soft and Chewy: Unlike traditional cannoli shells, these cookies stay irresistibly tender.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped in advance, so you can have fresh cookies anytime.
Ingredients in Cannoli Cookies
These cookies are packed with all the best cannoli flavors. Let’s break it down:
- Ricotta Cheese: The secret to a soft, tender texture with a slight creaminess.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies just right.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together for the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Orange Zest: Brings a fresh citrusy note that brightens up each bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Baking Powder: Ensures a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: A hint of warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a cannoli without chocolate?
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these bakery-worthy cookies:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to the right temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
Add Ricotta, Egg, and Flavorings: Mix in the ricotta, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, enjoy!
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them:
- With Coffee or Tea: The perfect pairing for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a bakery-style finish.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Half-dip them in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- With a Scoop of Gelato: Serve alongside vanilla or pistachio gelato for an Italian-inspired dessert.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, let the dough chill for 30 minutes before baking. It enhances the flavor and texture.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for longer storage.
- Customize: Add chopped pistachios or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
A1: Ricotta is key for texture, but you can try mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
Q2: Do I need to chill the dough?
A2: It’s not required, but chilling helps prevent spreading and intensifies flavors.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
A5: A few seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Q6: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A6: Absolutely! Chopped pistachios or almonds add a lovely crunch.
Q7: Why did my cookies turn out dry?
A7: Overbaking is the likely culprit. Keep an eye on them and remove when just golden.
Q8: Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?
A8: Yes, but mini chips distribute more evenly for a balanced bite.
Q9: What’s the best way to zest an orange?
A9: Use a microplane grater and avoid the bitter white pith.
Q10: Can I make these gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Use a good gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Final Thoughts
Cannoli Cookies are everything you love about the classic Italian pastry—rich, creamy, chocolatey, and just a little bit citrusy—all in a soft, chewy cookie. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Cannoli Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cannoli Cookies bring all the classic flavors of a traditional Italian cannoli into a soft and chewy cookie! Made with ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla, they offer a delightful texture and flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday baking, a quick dessert idea, or a homemade recipe to share with family. These cookies are easy to make and dusted with powdered sugar for an authentic Italian dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter, ricotta cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
-
Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips.
-
Shape & Bake:
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add ½ tsp orange zest to the dough.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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