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Cannoli Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

Delightful cannoli cookies feature a tender, cake-like texture infused with warm spices and orange zest, folded with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch. Drizzled with dark chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies combine the flavors of traditional Italian cannoli in a baked cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Base:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

For Mix-Ins:

  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

For Finishing:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Additional chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ricotta: Drain the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels over a bowl for 30 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and to achieve a thick, paste-like consistency of the ricotta for proper texture.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly blended. For extra tenderness, sift the flour before mixing. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a stable emulsion. Then add the drained ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until just combined. The batter may appear curdled but this is normal.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed just until a few flour streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture and soft, slightly sticky dough.
  6. Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios with a spatula to evenly distribute them while preserving their shape. Reserve a small amount of chips and pistachios for pressing on top of the cookies before baking.
  7. Shape and Bake: Using a cookie scoop, portion tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved chocolate chips and pistachios on top of each cookie. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain slightly underdone.
  8. Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set their structure, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the cookies decoratively with melted dark chocolate using a fork, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with additional chopped pistachios for a bakery-style presentation.

Notes

  • Drain the ricotta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can cause cookies to spread excessively.
  • Room temperature eggs help maintain the proper texture and emulsify better with creamed butter.
  • Do not over-mix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
  • Using mini chocolate chips ensures even distribution and prevents sinking.
  • Allow cookies to cool slightly before decorating to prevent melting of the chocolate drizzle.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: cannoli cookies, ricotta cookies, Italian cookies, chocolate chip pistachio cookies, orange zest cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cannoli-cookies-recipe/