Holiday-Favorite Italian Cannoli Cookies

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in festive treats, and there’s no better way to impress your guests than with a delicious batch of Italian Cannoli Cookies. These delightful cookies are inspired by the classic Italian cannoli, combining rich ricotta cheese, a hint of citrus, and a touch of cinnamon, all topped off with a drizzle of dark chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for the perfect gift to share, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert

Cannoli, a beloved Italian pastry, features a crispy shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit. These Italian Cannoli Cookies take the essence of the traditional cannoli and reimagine it in bite-sized form. They’re soft and pillowy with a delightful crunch from the pistachios, and the rich, creamy ricotta cheese filling brings the flavor of a classic cannoli into every bite. What makes them even more special is the zesty orange peel and a decadent drizzle of melted dark chocolate to finish, making them irresistible and perfect for the holidays.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, including ricotta cheese, cinnamon, pistachios, and orange zest, these cookies bring a rich, complex flavor without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
2. A Perfect Holiday Dessert: The cookies have a warm, comforting flavor profile that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and orange zest evokes the spirit of the season.
3. Gift-Worthy: These cookies are a lovely option for gifting. Place them in a decorative tin or gift box and they’ll be the star of any holiday party or festive gathering.
4. Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! While dark chocolate and powdered sugar are a classic touch, you can also experiment with adding extra chocolate chips, colored sprinkles, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a more modern twist.
5. Fun for All Ages: Cannoli-inspired cookies are a treat for everyone, from children to adults. Their small size makes them perfect for little hands or for snacking between festive meals. Plus, the fun of drizzling melted chocolate on top makes them even more enjoyable to prepare.

The Perfect Texture: Crispy Yet Soft

The texture of these cookies is key to their appeal. The dough, made with ricotta cheese, flour, and baking powder, results in a cookie that’s crisp on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. The addition of roasted pistachios provides a pleasant crunch, contrasting with the tender texture of the dough and creamy ricotta. The mini chocolate chips melt into the dough, adding little bursts of sweetness in each bite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Holiday-Favorite Italian Cannoli Cookies

Let’s walk through how to make these holiday-inspired treats from start to finish:

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup roasted pistachios, chopped
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ½ cup dark chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Mix these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The ricotta will add a rich and slightly tangy flavor to the dough, while the powdered sugar will provide the right level of sweetness.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir the dough until it becomes soft and combined. The cinnamon will lend a warm, holiday flavor to the cookies, complementing the richness of the ricotta.
4. Fold in the Pistachios and Chocolate Chips:
   Gently fold in the chopped roasted pistachios and mini chocolate chips. These ingredients will give the cookies texture and flavor, with the pistachios adding a savory crunch and the chocolate chips offering little pockets of sweetness.
5. Shape and Bake:
   Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
6. Cool and Add the Finishing Touch:
   Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’ve cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over each cookie. The chocolate adds a rich finish and elevates the cookies, making them look as good as they taste.
7. Optional Garnish:
   For an extra touch of holiday magic, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. This step is optional but adds an elegant finishing touch to your festive treats.

Tips for the Best Cannoli Cookies

• Use Whole Ricotta Cheese: For the best texture, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese instead of part-skim. It will give the cookies a richer, creamier texture.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Drizzle the Chocolate Immediately: The dark chocolate should be melted just before you drizzle it on the cookies. The heat from the cookies will help the chocolate set properly once it cools.

Storing and Serving

Once your cookies have cooled and been drizzled with chocolate, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well, so if you make a large batch in advance, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply place them in a sealed container or freezer bag, and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to serve them again.

Conclusion

These Holiday-Favorite Italian Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian cannoli and are perfect for any holiday occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, cinnamon, orange zest, and a drizzle of dark chocolate makes these cookies a festive treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a party, giving them as a gift, or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies will add a touch of Italian holiday magic to your celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these delightful cookies that are bound to become a holiday tradition in your home!