Description
These delightful Cannoli Cookies marry the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with sweet chocolate chips and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts, delivering a soft, flavorful treat reminiscent of classic Italian cannoli filling. Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Creamy Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Finishing Touch
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Ricotta, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined, incorporating flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring these ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it, to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pistachios: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips and optional chopped pistachios into the dough to evenly distribute the add-ins.
- Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheets: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool and Transfer: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent sogginess.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look and sweet touch.
Notes
- For an extra burst of traditional cannoli flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough during mixing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
