Cannoli Cookies – all the flavors of classic cannoli in a soft, delicious cookie!

Cannoli Cookies – All the Flavors of Classic Cannoli in a Soft, Delicious Cookie!

If you’re a fan of the classic Italian dessert cannoli, you’re in for a treat! Imagine all the delicious flavors of a traditional cannoli—crispy shell, creamy ricotta filling, and a touch of citrus—packed into a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what you get with Cannoli Cookies. These cookies capture the essence of the beloved pastry but in a more accessible, easy-to-make form that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re craving something sweet for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or simply as a fun baking project, cannoli cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavors and unique twist on a classic favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious treat, including how to make it at home!

Why Cannoli Cookies?

Cannoli are a timeless dessert, often served at celebrations and enjoyed by many. However, making cannoli from scratch can be a bit time-consuming. Cannoli cookies provide the perfect solution: all the flavors of the traditional treat without the need to fry or deal with delicate shells. These cookies are soft, pillowy, and easy to bake, while still capturing the rich, creamy, and tangy essence of cannoli.

The combination of ricotta cheese, citrus zest, and mini chocolate chips (or candied fruit, depending on your preference) gives these cookies the familiar flavors of cannoli in a simpler, more approachable form. Plus, they’re perfect for cookie platters, holiday baking, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.

What You’ll Need for Cannoli Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that bring the signature flavors of cannoli to life:

Ingredients:

• Butter: For a rich, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: To add sweetness and balance the tanginess of the ricotta.
• Ricotta Cheese: The key ingredient to replicate the creamy filling of a traditional cannoli.
• Eggs: To help bind the dough and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: For a classic flavor that complements the ricotta and citrus zest.
• Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: To give the cookies a little rise and softness.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting note to the flavor profile.
• Orange or Lemon Zest: This gives the cookies the fresh, zesty kick that makes cannoli so special.
• Mini Chocolate Chips or Chopped Pistachios: Optional, but these add the signature finish of a traditional cannoli. You can also use candied fruit for a more classic touch.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the cookies after baking, adding a final touch of sweetness.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the Ricotta and Eggs: Mix in the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The ricotta will add a creamy texture to the dough, giving it that cannoli-like richness.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Incorporate Zest and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the orange or lemon zest, and if desired, mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. The zest will add a refreshing citrus flavor, while the chocolate chips or pistachios will provide an extra bit of texture and flavor, much like the classic cannoli filling.
6. Form the Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies, or simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
8. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

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