Authentic Italian Cannoli Cookies
Golden, soft, and filled with classic Italian flavor, these cookies bring the charm of an Italian bakery straight into your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup ricotta cheese, well drained
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Melted dark chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the butter, ricotta, and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter, ricotta, and sugar together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg and flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest. Mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool and decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Add chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist on the traditional flavor. Pair with cappuccino, espresso, or a small glass of dessert wine for a true Italian touch.