Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple and fun! Today, we’re diving into a unique dessert that captures the heart of Italian tradition in a delightful new form. Get ready to bake these incredible Cannoli Cookies, a fantastic twist on the classic Sicilian pastry.
Did you know that cannoli have been a part of Sicilian culinary history since the Middle Ages, with some accounts suggesting their origin during Arab rule? You can learn more about the secret history of cannoli for an interesting read.
These cookies bring all the beloved flavors of cannoli shells and creamy filling into a soft, cake-like treat. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a taste of Italy without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Cannoli Cookies
You will quickly fall in love with these simple Cannoli Cookies for so many reasons. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. Each bite bursts with delicious Italian-inspired flavors, making them a standout dessert. They are perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or just a sweet everyday treat. Enjoy their wonderfully soft, cake-like texture that truly melts in your mouth. These crowd-pleasing cookies will surely become a new favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your irresistible batch of Cannoli Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 10 ounces mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
Notes & Substitutions
- Ricotta Cheese: Always use full-fat ricotta for the best flavor and texture. If your ricotta seems watery, drain any excess liquid through a fine-mesh sieve for about 15 minutes before using. This step prevents your cookie dough from becoming too thin.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content in your cookies. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
- Extracts: While vanilla is classic, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a more pronounced nutty flavor. For an authentic Italian touch, use a few drops of Fiori di Sicilia.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips distribute better throughout the dough. If you only have regular size, finely chop them for similar results. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips both work wonderfully.
- Nuts: Chopped pistachios add beautiful color and crunch. Feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
- Optional Additions: For an even richer flavor profile, consider stirring in a couple of tablespoons of finely diced candied fruit along with the chocolate and nuts.
Essential Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking these Cannoli Cookies a breeze. You’ll need:
- Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Medium cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for even baking.
- Good quality baking sheets: Non-stick or heavy-duty ones work best.
- Parchment paper: Lines baking sheets for easy release and cleanup.
- Wire cooling racks: Crucial for allowing cookies to cool completely.
- Zester: For grating fresh orange peel, adding vibrant citrus notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Cannoli Cookies
Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of delightful Cannoli Cookies:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically taking 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming butter and sugar is a crucial step in baking, as it incorporates air to create a light and tender crumb, as explained in this guide on why creaming butter and sugar matters.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the ricotta cheese until just combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fresh orange zest until everything is well blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
- Stir in Add-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips and all the chopped pistachios using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step is key for perfect Cannoli Cookies.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 375°F for about 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking time can vary based on your oven.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: While the cookies cool, microwave the remaining chocolate chips. Place them in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate into a small resealable plastic bag. Snip off one tiny corner of the bag to create a fine opening. Drizzle the melted chocolate artistically over the cooled Cannoli Cookies.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the drizzled chocolate to set completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Cannoli Cookies
Achieve bakery-quality Cannoli Cookies every time with these helpful tips.
- Soften Butter Properly: Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely softened, not melted. Softened butter creams easily and incorporates air, leading to a lighter cookie texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough cookies.
- Chill Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for the perfect puffy texture and to prevent excessive spreading. Don’t skip this step for your Cannoli Cookies.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake just until the edges are golden. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies rather than the desired soft texture.
- Use Quality Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Adjust Orange Zest: Start with the recommended amount, then add more if you prefer a stronger citrus note. Fresh zest provides the best flavor.
- Microwave Chocolate Carefully: Chocolate can seize if overheated. Stir frequently and use short intervals to achieve a smooth drizzle.
- Cool Completely: Always cool cookies fully on wire racks. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy, and allows the chocolate drizzle to set.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delightful Cannoli Cookies are versatile and easy to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these incredible Cannoli Cookies at room temperature to fully appreciate their soft texture and rich flavors. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a strong espresso, or a comforting mug of hot chocolate. For an elegant touch, garnish your cookies with a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios or a little fresh orange zest just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store your baked Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. You can also freeze baked cookies by layering them with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Cannoli Cookies!
- Chocolate Types: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
- Nutty Additions: Try other nuts like finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts for distinct flavors and textures.
- Fruity Twists: Stir in dried cranberries, finely diced candied ginger, or a mix of candied citrus peel for added chewiness and tartness.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking, or try a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer spice profile. You can also experiment with other extracts like rum or anise for unique flavor combinations in these Italian-inspired cookies.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying these delicious Cannoli Cookies also means understanding their nutritional value. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving:
| Nutrition Name | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 167 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 | g |
| Protein | 3 | g |
| Fat | 10 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 | g |
| Trans Fat | 1 | g |
| Cholesterol | 26 | mg |
| Sodium | 68 | mg |
| Potassium | 97 | mg |
| Fiber | 1 | g |
| Sugar | 9 | g |
| Vitamin A | 206 | IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 | mg |
| Calcium | 27 | mg |
| Iron | 1 | mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Values may vary depending on specific brands and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cannoli Cookies
- How long do Cannoli Cookies stay fresh? These cookies stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Refrigeration extends their freshness for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze both! Freeze raw dough balls for up to a month, or freeze baked Cannoli Cookies for up to three months.
- Is it necessary to drain the ricotta cheese? Draining is highly recommended if your ricotta seems watery. Excess moisture can make your cookie dough too loose, affecting the final texture.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Are there vegan options for this recipe? To make them vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based butter, eggs with flax eggs, and ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative. Results may vary.
- What if I don’t like orange zest? You can omit the orange zest if it’s not to your taste. Consider adding an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch more cinnamon for flavor.
Conclusion
These Cannoli Cookies offer a truly delightful baking experience, combining ease with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. You’ll love their soft, cake-like texture and the perfect blend of creamy ricotta, chocolate, and pistachios. This recipe provides a simple way to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen, perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this fantastic recipe and share your creations! We can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy these delicious Cannoli Cookies!
Easy Homemade Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined.
- Stir in baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then mix in the flour. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and the pistachios, then cover and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Drop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Cool cookies slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Melt the remaining chocolate chips in a microwave, stirring at 20-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a small resealable bag with a clipped corner, then allow the chocolate to set.
