Cannoli Cookies Recipe
These delicious Cannoli Cookies combine the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the crunchy texture of pistachios and mini chocolate chips, all wrapped in a tender, buttery dough. Inspired by traditional Italian cannoli flavors, these cookies are perfect for a sweet treat or festive dessert and feature a delightful filling that makes each bite irresistible.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Filling
- ¼ cup (60 g) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped pistachios
Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar until well combined, creating a uniform dry base for the dough.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, enhancing the dough’s flavor and texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour and sugar mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a cohesive dough without overworking it.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together and the dough to firm up slightly for easier handling.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate clean removal of the cookies after baking.
- Roll Out Dough: Dust your work surface with flour, turn out the rested dough, and roll it to about ¼ inch thickness for the ideal cookie texture.
- Cut Dough Rectangles: Cut the rolled dough into 2×3 inch rectangles, which will serve as the cookie base to hold the filling.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios to create the flavorful filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each dough rectangle, then fold them over and pinch the edges securely to seal in the filling.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the filled cookies for 15-18 minutes or until they turn a golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and ready.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish.
Notes
- Resting the dough helps improve the texture and makes it easier to handle during rolling and cutting.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with finely chopped dark chocolate if preferred.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the cookies well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- 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 Dessert, Pistachio Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Baked Cookies