Name: Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; ¾ cup ricotta cheese (high-quality); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup chopped pistachios; Zest of 1 orange

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Ensure it’s at room temperature.)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup mini chocolate chips

¾ cup ricotta cheese (Use high-quality ricotta for the best flavor.)

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup chopped pistachios

Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Step 5: Fold in the mini chocolate chips, then cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: To prepare the filling, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pistachios, and orange zest in a bowl until smooth.

Step 10: Once the cookies are cool, spoon or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of a cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.

Step 11: Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the filling set.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before adding them to the filling.

Use an electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar to ensure a light texture.

Substitute almond extract with orange extract for a citrusy twist.

If you prefer, swap mini chocolate chips for finely chopped dark chocolate or omit entirely for a nutty filling focus.

Storage

Store assembled cannoli cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the ricotta filling, they are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated slightly at room temperature before serving if desired. Keep unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even improve the cookie texture by allowing the flavors to develop.

Can I use ricotta cheese from a tub instead of fresh ricotta?

It’s best to use high-quality fresh ricotta for the smoothest and creamiest filling. If using ricotta from a tub, drain any excess liquid by placing it in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to avoid a watery filling.