Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, perfect for your holiday gatherings. These soft and fluffy cookies burst with rich flavors of orange, chocolate, and warm spices, making them a comforting treat for everyone. Their unique texture and taste will surely become a favorite among your family and friends during the festive season.
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Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cookies
A Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert
These cannoli cookies offer a fun and delicious alternative to the usual cannoli. With the creamy richness of ricotta cheese and a touch of citrus, they deliver a delightful surprise in every bite. Each cookie is soft, cake-like, and simply irresistible.
Perfect for Holiday Celebrations
Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or a cozy family gathering, these cannoli cookies will impress everyone. Their vibrant flavors and festive look make them a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Key Ingredients for Cannoli Cookies
Essential Baking Staples
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1-2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Flavorful Additions
To enhance these cookies, you can add more chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or even a light orange glaze. Each variation allows you to get creative while keeping the essence of the original recipe.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Step-by-Step Preparation
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then, incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, ricotta cheese, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing just until blended. Fold in the pistachios and chocolate chips to form a sticky dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a mini ice cream scoop to portion the dough onto the sheets and bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture
Make sure the egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial, as it helps solidify the mixture, resulting in fluffier cookies that are full of flavor.
Why Does the Cookie Dough Need to Be Chilled?
The Science Behind Chilling Dough
Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in a perfectly soft and fluffy texture.
Benefits for Flavor and Texture
Chilling also gives the flavors time to meld together, intensifying the rich taste of the cannoli cookies. This step is essential for achieving the best possible results.
Variations and Tips
Creative Additions and Toppings
Consider adding crushed toppings or different flavors to your cookies. You could use various nuts, mini marshmallows, or even swap in mascarpone cheese for a rich twist. Let your imagination run wild!
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your cannoli cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
FAQs
What are cannoli cookies?
Cannoli cookies are soft, cake-like treats inspired by traditional Italian cannoli. They are made with ricotta cheese and flavored with spices and citrus zest.
Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese?
No, you do not need to drain the ricotta cheese for this recipe; its moisture helps to create a soft cookie.
Can I use store-bought ricotta or substitute mascarpone?
Yes, you can use store-bought ricotta, and mascarpone can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
How should I store cannoli cookies?
Store cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
What are common variations or add-ins?
Common variations include adding more chocolate chips, sprinkles, or toppings like crushed nuts or a light glaze.
Conclusion
Cannoli cookies are a festive addition to your holiday baking repertoire, bringing joy and delightful flavors to any gathering. For more inspiration, you can check out additional recipes on Pinterest. Happy baking and enjoy this sweet celebration!
Cannoli Cookies: Easy and Joyful Christmas Treats
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mini ice cream scoop
- wire rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg Ensure it’s at room temperature.
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon pure 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 pistachios, roughly chopped
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, ricotta, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, then combine with the wet mixture until blended. Fold in the pistachios and chocolate chips.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare baking sheets.
- Scoop portions of dough onto the sheets and bake for 12 minutes until the edges are golden. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optionally drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.