Cannoli Cookies Recipe
	
	
		Delight in these delightful Cannoli Cookies—a soft, ricotta-infused treat bursting with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Combining the rich flavors of traditional Italian cannoli filling with a tender cookie base, these are perfect for a sweet snack or elegant dessert. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
 
	
		
		
			Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Filling
- ½ cup (75 g) mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped pistachios
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar until evenly combined for a uniform texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Form Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ricotta mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to over-mix.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes; this helps hydrate the flour and improve the dough’s texture.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness for optimal cookie size and texture.
- Cut Dough: Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the rolled dough into rectangles or squares approximately 2×3 inches in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios, creating the authentic cannoli-inspired filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Place a spoonful of the chocolate and pistachio ricotta filling in the center of each dough rectangle, then fold the dough over to seal the edges securely.
- Bake Cookies: Transfer the filled cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown on the edges.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a classic finishing touch.
 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Resting the dough is crucial to prevent shrinking during baking and to develop better flavor.
- You can substitute pistachios with chopped almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an additional ½ teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
 
	 
	
		Keywords: Cannoli Cookies, Italian Cookies, Ricotta Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pistachio Cookies, Italian Desserts