Absolutely! Here’s a full, rich, story-style Cannoli Cookies recipe, written the way people love to read, save, and share 🍪✨
🍪 Cannoli Cookies
All the flavors of classic Italian cannoli in a soft, bakery-style cookie
✨ Introduction
Cannoli Cookies bring the soul of a traditional Italian cannoli into an irresistibly soft, tender cookie. With creamy ricotta, hints of vanilla and almond, citrusy orange zest, and bursts of chocolate chips, these cookies taste like a visit to a Sicilian bakery—without the frying or filling. They’re delicate yet rich, lightly spiced, and perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave something special.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but very authentic)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra mini chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pistachios
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add ricotta, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in orange zest, chocolate chips, and pistachios.
- Scoop dough (about 1½ tablespoons per cookie) onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are set.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before glazing.
🍯 Glaze Method (Optional)
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled cookies or lightly dip the tops.
- Garnish with chocolate chips and pistachios while glaze is still wet.
- Let set for 15–20 minutes.
🧠 Methods & Pro Tips
- Drain ricotta slightly if very wet—this keeps cookies soft but not cakey.
- For extra cannoli flavor, add 1 tablespoon mascarpone or cream cheese.
- Want crisp edges? Chill dough 20 minutes before baking.
- Skip glaze for a lighter, tea-time cookie—they’re delicious plain!
📜 History
Cannoli originated in Sicily, traditionally made with fried pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta, citrus zest, and chocolate. Over time, bakers reimagined these flavors into cakes, bars, and cookies. Cannoli Cookies were born as a modern twist—keeping the soul of the dessert while making it easier, lighter, and perfect for everyday baking.
🧬 Formation: How the Flavors Come Together
- Ricotta provides moisture and creamy softness
- Orange zest adds brightness and aroma
- Cinnamon brings warmth without overpowering
- Chocolate chips & pistachios deliver texture and classic cannoli contrast
- Almond extract deepens the Italian bakery flavor
Every bite balances richness, sweetness, and freshness.
❤️ Who Will Love These Cookies
- Cannoli lovers who want the flavor without frying
- Ricotta dessert fans
- Holiday cookie platter creators
- Coffee & espresso companions
- Anyone who loves soft, bakery-style cookies
🍽️ Serving Methods for Lovers
- Serve with espresso, cappuccino, or mint tea
- Add to holiday cookie boxes
- Pair with fresh berries for a dessert plate
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a rustic look
🏁 Conclusion
Cannoli Cookies are proof that classic desserts can evolve beautifully. They’re soft, fragrant, elegant, and incredibly easy to make—yet taste like something from a European pastry shop. Whether glazed or plain, shared or savored secretly, these cookies always feel special.
If you want, I can also give you: ✨ A social-media-ready caption
✨ A short printable recipe card
✨ A stuffed or sandwich version
✨ A no-glaze or gluten-free variation
Just tell me 💛🍪