The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, warm kitchens, and irresistible treats that bring everyone together. If you’re searching for a unique dessert that combines the flavors of Italian tradition with the charm of festive baking, look no further. The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking is here to elevate your cookie platter with a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, chocolate chips, and holiday cheer.
These cookies are not only melt-in-your-mouth delicious but also look stunning on any dessert table, drizzled with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar. Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe that will surely become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients for The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
To make these cookies, you’ll need simple pantry staples along with a few Italian-inspired additions that give them their distinct flavor.
For the cookies:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but recommended)
-
¾ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk, drained if very wet)
-
½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the topping:
-
1 cup white chocolate, melted
-
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted
-
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
-
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you start, make sure you have these tools ready:
-
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
-
Electric mixer or stand mixer
-
Whisk and spatula
-
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
-
Cookie scoop (for even sizing)
-
Cooling rack
-
Microwave-safe bowls (for melting chocolate)
These tools will help streamline your holiday baking and ensure your cookies come out perfectly shaped and decorated.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Follow these simple yet detailed steps to bake The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
This step is key to creating a soft cookie texture.
4: Add Wet Ingredients
-
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until combined.
-
Gently mix in ricotta cheese until the batter is smooth and creamy.
5: Combine Dry and Wet
-
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
-
Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6: Add Chocolate Chips
-
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
7: Scoop and Bake
-
Using a cookie scoop, place dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on a wire rack.
8: Decorate
-
Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate and dark chocolate over the cookies.
-
Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Helpful Tips for Success
-
Drain the ricotta properly: If your ricotta is watery, place it in a fine sieve or cheesecloth and drain for at least 30 minutes. This prevents soggy cookies.
-
Use citrus zest: Orange zest enhances the authentic cannoli flavor and balances the richness of the ricotta.
-
Don’t overbake: The cookies should remain soft and slightly cakey, not crisp. Remove them once edges are golden.
-
Holiday variations: Add crushed pistachios, candied cherries, or red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday look.
-
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Approximate Nutritional Value (per cookie, makes about 24)
-
Calories: 150
-
Fat: 7 g
-
Saturated Fat: 4 g
-
Carbohydrates: 19 g
-
Sugar: 11 g
-
Protein: 2 g
-
Fiber: 1 g
(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)
Why This is The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
What makes this recipe the best?
-
Flavor balance: The richness of ricotta with bursts of chocolate and a hint of citrus.
-
Texture: Soft, slightly chewy, and cake-like, reminiscent of traditional cannoli filling.
-
Visual appeal: Drizzled chocolate and powdered sugar make them look like bakery-style cookies.
-
Holiday-friendly: Easy to batch bake, decorate, and share with loved ones.
Creative Serving Ideas
-
Holiday cookie platters: Pair with biscotti, gingerbread, or thumbprint cookies for variety.
-
Gift boxes: Wrap these cookies in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
-
Coffee companion: Serve with cappuccino, espresso, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
-
Party dessert: Display on a tiered stand as a centerpiece for your holiday table.
Conclusion
Holiday baking is all about creating memories, sharing love, and indulging in flavors that make the season special. With its irresistible taste, festive look, and easy preparation, The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking will become a cherished tradition in your family.
The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Ingredients
Method
- Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white and semi-sweet chocolate.
- Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
