Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, zesty orange, and crunchy pistachios with just the right touch of chocolate. When I first tried these cookies, I was blown away by how tender and flavorful they were—like a little bite of traditional Italian dessert turned into a cozy cookie. This recipe works beautifully for holiday gatherings, or just a special treat when you want something a bit more elegant than your everyday cookie.

You’ll find that Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe is super easy to make, even if you’ve never baked with ricotta before. The dough stays firm thanks to a quick chill, which helps you get those thick, puffy cookies that don’t spread too thin. Plus, the drizzle of melted chocolate at the end adds a little extra magic that your friends and family will go crazy for.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe really work together to create a delicate balance between rich creaminess and bright citrus flavor, with just enough crunch and chocolate sweetness to keep every bite interesting. I always recommend using fresh orange zest to get that bright aroma—it makes a world of difference!

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature to cream smoothly with sugar, helping build that light cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning on the edges.
• Eggs: Bind the cookie dough together while adding moisture.
• Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient for creaminess and a tender crumb — be sure to use whole milk ricotta for best results.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor depth with a warm, comforting note.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a touch for a subtle hint of spice.
• Fresh orange zest: Brightens the dough and pairs beautifully with the ricotta.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Help give these cookies their puff and lift.
• Salt: Balances flavor and enhances sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
• Mini chocolate chips: Divided between dough and drizzle – choose semisweet for the perfect melty drizzle.
• Chopped pistachios: Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that I love for that Italian cannoli vibe.

Variations

I adore trying different variations of this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe to keep things exciting. You can easily swap the nuts or chocolate chips or even play with different extracts to tweak the flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Nut Swap: I once switched pistachios with toasted walnuts, which added a lovely earthiness that paired well with the orange zest.
• Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier twist or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Extract Changes: Try almond extract or fiori di sicilia to add another layer of aromatic complexity that reminds you of a real cannoli filling.
• Orange-free Option: If you’re not a fan of citrus in cookies, just leave out the orange zest and add a little extra vanilla for a classic feel.

How to Make Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture looks light and fluffy. I find this takes about 3 to 4 minutes and it’s worth taking your time here — you’ll get a better cookie texture if this step is done well.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs, Ricotta, and Flavorings

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Then stir in the ricotta cheese until the batter is smooth, followed by the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated orange zest. This layer of flavors is what gives these cookies their unique, wonderful taste.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Mix-Ins

Whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the dough comes together, then fold in half the mini chocolate chips and the chopped pistachios.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is gold—cold dough means your cookies won’t spread too much and will bake up thick and puffy, just like true cannoli-inspired treats.

Step 5: Bake and Drizzle the Remaining Chocolate

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or a light grease. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. Once cooled slightly, melt the remaining chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring to smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies with a small baggie tip. Let them set before serving.

How to Serve Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped pistachios over the chocolate drizzle for a pop of color and crunch. Sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely, delicate finish that makes these cookies feel extra special when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these Holy Cannoli Cookies with a warm cup of espresso or rich hot chocolate. For a little celebration, they go beautifully alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine or creamy liqueur.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with fresh flowers and citrus slices to bring out the orange theme. You could also package them in a lovely tin or mason jar with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store your Holy Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week—though in my experience, they often disappear faster than that!

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover dough before for up to a month by scooping balls onto a tray, freezing them solid, then transferring to a sealed bag. This way you can bake fresh cookies straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, I like to warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes at low heat in the oven to refresh their softness without melting the chocolate drizzle. It’s a little trick that makes leftovers feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the nostalgia of classic Italian flavors with the pleasure of a homemade cookie you can share any day. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—once you taste that creamy ricotta and bright orange zest wrapped with pistachio crunch and chocolate drizzle, you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of cookie that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time, and I think you and your family are going to love making and sharing them as much as I do.

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