I’ve been obsessed with cannoli since I was a little girl, sneaking bites of the creamy filling at every family gathering. But let’s be honest, making traditional cannoli can be a bit of a hassle, right? That’s why I’ve spent the last few months perfecting this Cannoli Cookie recipe – it captures all that classic cannoli flavor in an easy-to-make cookie form. Forget deep-frying and intricate shells; we’re talking about soft, chewy cookies loaded with ricotta, chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus. Plus, with the holiday season in full swing, these cookies are the perfect festive treat to share. I’ve tested this recipe 12 times to get it just right for you!

Why These Cannoli Cookies Are a Must-Try

A Modern Twist on a Classic Dessert

These aren’t your grandma’s cannoli, but they’re just as good, if not better (don’t tell her I said that!). We’re taking the beloved flavors of ricotta, citrus, and chocolate and transforming them into a convenient and crowd-pleasing cookie. The best part? No special equipment required!

Perfect for the Holiday Season

The festive flavors of these cookies make them ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even as a delicious homemade gift. The touch of cinnamon and orange zest adds a warm, comforting note that perfectly complements the richness of the ricotta.

Simplicity Without Compromise

Who has time for complicated recipes during the holidays? This recipe is designed for busy bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.

Gathering Your Cannoli Cookie Ingredients

The Foundation: Cookie Base

To achieve that soft, chewy texture, we’ll use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt. The key is to not overmix the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.

The Heart of the Cannoli: Ricotta Filling

Ricotta cheese is what gives these cookies that authentic cannoli flavor. Be sure to use whole milk ricotta for the best results. I’ve found that draining the ricotta beforehand helps prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfect Cannoli Cookies every time:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
7. Drop by Spoonfuls: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar.

Ingredient Substitutions & Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free Cannoli Cookies

Want to make these cookies gluten-free? Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Dairy-Free Cannoli Cookies

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free ricotta alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Lower Sugar Option

To reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture or flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues

Cookies Spreading Too Thin

If your cookies are spreading too thin, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Cookies Are Too Dry

Dry cookies can be a result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately (spoon and level method) and keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking.

Perfecting Your Cannoli Cookie Presentation

Dusting with Powdered Sugar

A generous dusting of powdered sugar is the perfect finishing touch for these cookies. It adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation.

Adding a Drizzle of Chocolate

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.

Garnish with Pistachios or Candied Citrus

To elevate the presentation even further, sprinkle chopped pistachios or candied citrus peel over the cookies. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of flavor.

Storing and Freezing Your Cannoli Cookies

Storing at Room Temperature

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To prevent them from drying out, consider adding a slice of bread to the container.

Freezing for Later

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Cannoli Cookies

I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to ensure these cookies are always a hit:

• Use High-Quality Ricotta: The better the ricotta, the better the flavor of your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help prevent spreading.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.

FAQ About Cannoli Cookies

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent cookies from spreading, make sure your butter is not too soft, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help.

Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?

While you can use part-skim ricotta, whole milk ricotta will give you the best flavor and texture. Part-skim ricotta may result in drier cookies.

Can I add other flavorings to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavorings such as almond extract, lemon zest, or even a pinch of nutmeg.

How long do these cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

If you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute it with lemon zest or a few drops of orange extract.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Why are my cookies so dry?

Dry cookies can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking.

Share the Cannoli Cookie Love

There you have it – the easiest and most delicious Cannoli Cookie recipe you’ll ever try! I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I know you’re going to love it. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing to holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making Cannoli Cookies before? What are your favorite variations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And if you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations!

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