The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Highlighted under: Holiday Kitchen Inspirations
Experience the delightful blend of traditional Italian cannoli flavors in these irresistible Cannoli Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with sweet ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus zest, these festive cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. Ideal for cookie swaps or family gatherings, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more.
These Cannoli Cookies are a lovely twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for holiday celebrations.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
These Cannoli Cookies are not just another dessert; they embody the essence of holiday cheer. The fusion of classic Italian cannoli flavors in cookie form makes them a unique sweet treat that delights both young and old. Soft and chewy, these cookies create an inviting aroma as they bake, making your kitchen the heart of your holiday celebrations.
The combination of creamy ricotta cheese and a hint of citrus zest encapsulates the spirit of the season, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive cookie swaps. With their beautiful golden edges and delightful mini chocolate chips, these cookies are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
A Simple and Fun Recipe
Baking these Cannoli Cookies is a simple and fun experience, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The straightforward steps allow you to involve your family, creating precious memories as you all come together in the kitchen. Kids will love helping to mix ingredients and scoop dough, cultivating a sense of accomplishment as they watch the cookies rise and golden.
With just a few pantry staples required, this recipe is easily adaptable. Whether you choose to add more zest, swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, or even try unique flavor extracts, the possibilities for customization are endless. Each batch can be a new adventure in flavor!
Ideal for Sharing and Gifting
These Cannoli Cookies make excellent gifts or contributions to festive gatherings. When packaged in a decorative tin or box, they present beautifully and are sure to impress. Sharing cookies with friends and family enhances the spirit of giving during the holiday season, making your baked goods not just treats but tokens of love.
Additionally, their versatility makes them a great addition to cookie platters at parties. Their unique flavor profile stands out among typical holiday cookies, ensuring they will be a standout treat. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before they leave!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the best Cannoli Cookies:
Cookies
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Cannoli Cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Add Flavors
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your fresh-baked Cannoli Cookies with family and friends!
Storage Tips
To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can maintain their delightful texture for up to a week. If you want to preserve them for longer, consider freezing the cookies before they are baked. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
It's essential to let baked cookies cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. If you prefer chewy cookies, consider underbaking them slightly, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Cannoli Cookies can be served plain, but consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enjoy the perfect afternoon treat. They also make wonderful accompaniments to dessert spreads or as a delightful after-dinner bite.
For an extra special touch, you can dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips. This not only enhances their flavor but adds a beautiful presentation that's sure to impress your guests.
Nutrition Insights
While these Cannoli Cookies are certainly a treat, they also offer some nutrition benefits. The inclusion of ricotta cheese provides a source of protein and calcium, making these cookies a more wholesome choice than many other dessert options. Additionally, the addition of orange zest contributes antioxidants, giving a slight boost to their nutritional profile.
Of course, moderation is key when enjoying any dessert. Consider pairing a couple of these cookies with fresh fruit to balance your snack. This way, you can satisfy your sweet cravings while still infusing your body with essential nutrients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta provides a creamier texture, but you can use well-drained cottage cheese in a pinch.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Experience the delightful blend of traditional Italian cannoli flavors in these irresistible Cannoli Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with sweet ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus zest, these festive cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. Ideal for cookie swaps or family gatherings, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more.
Created by: Tom
Recipe Type: Holiday Kitchen Inspirations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cookies
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g