These Holy Cannoli Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavor of cannoli filling with the simplicity of a soft cookie. Made with ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re soft, buttery, and slightly sweet with that perfect cannoli-inspired flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just want a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. This will ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 7: Form and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy the cannoli-inspired deliciousness!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Helpful Notes:
- Ricotta Cheese: Be sure to use whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor. Drain any excess liquid from the ricotta to prevent overly wet dough.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative by adding chopped pistachios, almonds, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a fun twist on these cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Giada De Laurentiis: “Ricotta adds a wonderful creaminess to baked goods, so don’t be afraid to use it in your cookies. It makes them softer and gives them a unique texture.”
- Nigella Lawson: “For the best flavor, use real vanilla extract and make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This ensures light and fluffy cookies.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Ricotta is key for this recipe because it gives the cookies their unique, soft texture. However, mascarpone could be a creamy alternative if needed. - Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?
Yes, but mini chocolate chips work better because they distribute more evenly throughout the dough. - Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
No refrigeration is required for this dough, but you can chill it for 15-30 minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm to prevent spreading. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly. - How do I keep the cookies soft?
To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help maintain their softness. - Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped pistachios, almonds, or even dried cherries or cranberries can be a delicious addition to these cookies.
These Holy Cannoli Cookies are the perfect sweet treat, capturing all the flavors of a cannoli in a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy!