Zesty Ricotta Cannoli-Inspired Cookies

Enjoy a delightful twist on the classic Italian cannoli with these zesty ricotta cannoli-inspired cookies. Bursting with the bright flavor of fresh orange zest, creamy ricotta, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are filled with mini chocolate chips and topped with crunchy pistachios for a luxurious treat. Perfect for any occasion, these soft, pillowy cookies deliver a taste of Italy in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 10 ounces mini chocolate chips, divided
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Oven & Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light coating of grease.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a spacious bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Take care not to overwork the dough.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 8 ounces of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 2 ounces for later.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  8. Top with Pistachios and Chocolate: Lightly press the remaining mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios onto the tops of the cookie dough.
  9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion:

Your delicious zesty ricotta cannoli-inspired cookies are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies bring the beloved flavors of a cannoli in a fun, easy-to-make form. Share them with friends and family, or simply savor them with a cup of coffee or tea.

Zesty Ricotta Cannoli-Inspired Cookies

Zesty ricotta cannoli-inspired cookies featurefresh orange zest, creamy ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a crunchypistachio topping, combining the essence of a traditional Italian dessert intoa soft, delightful cookie.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 24 Cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 10 ounces mini chocolate chips divided
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven & Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light coating of grease.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a spacious bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Take care not to overwork the dough.
  • Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 8 ounces of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 2 ounces for later.
  • Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  • Top with Pistachios and Chocolate: Lightly press the remaining mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios onto the tops of the cookie dough.
  • Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Keyword Cannoli cookies

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating