Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Delight in these homemade Cannoli Cookies, featuring a tender ricotta-infused dough filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies offer the classic cannoli flavors in a convenient, hand-held treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: About 16-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Dough
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the Filling
- ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped pistachios
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined to create the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and well blended.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Ensure the dough is well mixed but not overworked.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the dough to firm up slightly.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roll Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll the dough out evenly to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Using a knife or cookie cutter, cut the dough into rectangles or squares approximately 2 by 3 inches in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios until evenly combined.
- Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the rectangles over or seal the edges to encase the filling securely.
- Bake Cookies: Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic cannoli touch.
Notes
- Sifting the flour twice leads to a lighter dough texture, and helps create a delicate crumb.
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained before using in the filling to prevent soggy cookies.
- Chill the dough if it feels too soft before rolling out to ease handling.
- The lemon zest enhances the bright flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cannoli cookies, ricotta cookies, Italian dessert, chocolate chip cookies, pistachio cookies, homemade cookies, Italian pastries