Holy Cannoli Cookies

If you’ve ever had a traditional cannoli, you know just how delicious and iconic this Sicilian pastry is. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all the rich flavors of a classic cannoli in the form of a cookie? Enter Holy Cannoli Cookies, a fun twist on the beloved Italian treat that will make your holiday baking even more festive and exciting. These cookies are packed with the irresistible combination of sweetened ricotta, crunchy pistachios, and gooey chocolate chips, creating the perfect dessert for Christmas cookie baskets or as a special gift for loved ones.

Growing up with an Italian-American family, cannoli were always a staple in our household, and they hold a special place in my heart. That’s why I thought it would be the perfect time to bring the spirit of cannoli into cookie form during the holiday season. While these may not be an exact replica of the traditional cannoli, they capture all the signature flavors of the pastry and are definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Inspiration Behind Holy Cannoli Cookies

If you’re new to cannoli or unfamiliar with the concept, let’s take a moment to explore this iconic Italian dessert. Cannoli are a deep-fried pastry shell, typically filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, often accompanied by a variety of delightful mix-ins like chocolate chips, citrus zest, candied fruit, maraschino cherries, and sometimes even cinnamon or nuts like pistachios.

The origins of cannoli trace back to Sicily, where the pastry is a symbol of festive occasions. Over time, cannoli made their way to the United States, particularly in areas with large Italian-American populations, where they quickly became a beloved dessert. As with many traditional dishes, there are various interpretations of the cannoli, and depending on where you are or who you ask, the “perfect” cannoli may differ. Some might prefer their cannoli filled with just the ricotta cream, while others might swear by the addition of chocolate chips, candied fruit, or a touch of cinnamon.

When I set out to make Holy Cannoli Cookies, I wanted to keep the essence of the classic cannoli but add a fun twist that would fit perfectly into a holiday cookie spread. These cookies capture the creamy sweetness of ricotta, the rich flavor of pistachios, and the delightful crunch of mini chocolate chips, all in a chewy, cake-like texture that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients That Make These Cannoli Cookies Special

To make Holy Cannoli Cookies, you’ll need a variety of classic ingredients, some of which are common in both Italian desserts and holiday baking recipes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Ingredients for Holy Cannoli Cookies:

Unsalted Butter: This is the base for the cookie dough, helping to create a soft and tender texture. I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the flavor. You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but just be sure to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: The perfect sweetener to balance the richness of the ricotta cheese. It also helps with the texture of the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
Eggs: A key component to help bind the dough together and provide structure to the cookies.
Ricotta Cheese: This is where the magic happens! Ricotta gives the cookies their signature soft and creamy texture. For the best results, opt for full-fat ricotta. You don’t need to strain it for hours unless it’s extremely watery—just draining any excess liquid from the container should be enough.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth to the cookies and complements the other flavors beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch of cinnamon brings a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Fresh Orange Zest: Adding a small amount of orange zest gives the cookies a bright, zesty flavor that’s characteristic of many Italian pastries. Don’t worry, the citrus flavor won’t overpower the cookies but instead enhances their overall taste.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two ingredients work together to give the cookies lift and ensure they bake evenly.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the cookie dough, helping to bind all the ingredients together.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chips are the perfect size to distribute throughout the dough. You can also use finely chopped chocolate if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Pistachios: Lightly salted pistachios add both crunch and flavor to the cookies. If you have a nut allergy, feel free to omit the pistachios and substitute them with a different nut, like walnuts or pecans, though these are not traditional cannoli additions.

Tips for the Perfect Cannoli Cookie

When making these cookies, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure they turn out just right:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough come together more easily and results in a smoother texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the flour, be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: For the best texture, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and results in a softer, cake-like texture.
Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly! Keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming too golden or overbaked. Once the edges start to turn golden brown, they’re done.
Drizzle with High-Quality Chocolate: For the finishing touch, melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. The chocolate drizzle not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives the cookies a lovely appearance.
Let the Chocolate Set: After drizzling the melted chocolate over the cookies, allow them to cool completely so the chocolate hardens into a glossy, crunchy layer.

Making Cannoli Cookies

One of the best things about making Holy Cannoli Cookies is how easy they are to prepare. The recipe calls for mixing everything in one bowl, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creations. If you’re someone who enjoys baking during the holiday season, these cookies are the perfect way to try something new while still keeping things familiar with the classic flavors of cannoli.