Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that certain cookies just have a way of making your day better—and that’s exactly what the Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe does. These cookies are this perfect marriage of soft, fluffy texture and a burst of flavor that reminds me so much of traditional cannoli filling, but in an approachable cookie form. I love them because they bring a little Italian bakery magic right into my kitchen, and honestly, every time I bake a batch, my family goes crazy for these.

You’ll find that these Holy Cannoli Cookies are wonderfully versatile too. They work great for everything from an afternoon treat with your coffee to party desserts or even a special gift baked with love. The combo of ricotta cheese, orange zest, and chopped pistachios with melty chocolate chips makes each bite feel like a small celebration—and I know you’re going to enjoy that unique twist!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe plays a special role—from the creamy ricotta adding moisture to the fresh orange zest brightening up the whole batch. I recommend using fresh ingredients where possible for the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures your dough creams perfectly, giving a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness that balances the savory ricotta and citrus notes.
• Large eggs: They bind everything and add richness to the dough.
• Ricotta cheese: The secret to keeping cookies soft, tender, and moist without being heavy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm vanilla undertones that complement the cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a touch to add cozy warmth without overpowering the orange zest.
• Fresh orange zest: This is what really sets these cookies apart—bright, fresh citrus flavor.
• Baking powder: For that little lift and puffiness.
• Baking soda: Works with the acid in the ricotta for a perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• All purpose flour: The base of the dough that creates the perfect chewy texture.
• Mini chocolate chips: Half in the cookie dough, half melted on top for a luscious drizzle.
• Chopped pistachios: Adds unbeatable crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cookie.

Variations

I’ve had fun tweaking this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe for different occasions—switching up nuts, adjusting the citrus, or playing with the chocolate. The great thing about this recipe is how flexible it is, so feel free to make it your own!

• Nut swaps: I swapped pistachios for chopped walnuts once, and it gave a deeper, earthier flavor that my family really liked.
• Chocolate choice: Using white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate brightened the cookie even more—great if you want a sweeter, creamier cookie.
• Extract changes: I sometimes add a little almond extract with the vanilla for an extra layer of fragrance that makes the cookies extra special.
• Orange zest adjustment: If you’re not an orange fan, I’ve made this recipe without the orange zest entirely and they still turn out delicious—just less bright.

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 with an electric mixer. I like to go until it’s light and fluffy—this step actually makes a huge difference because it traps air, giving the cookies a lovely tender texture once baked. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes at medium speed. Don’t rush it here!

Step 2: Add Eggs, Ricotta and Flavorings

Next, beat in your eggs one at a time, then mix in the ricotta cheese until the batter is smooth and combined. Adding ricotta is what gives these cookies their signature moist and creamy texture, so be sure it’s well incorporated. After that, stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fresh orange zest—this trio is what really kicks this cookie into gourmet territory.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Chill Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this into your wet mixture and stir until everything comes together. Then fold in half of the mini chocolate chips and all the chopped pistachios. Cover your dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour—this is crucial for building those thick, puffy cookies.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the sheet leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 8-11 minutes, checking for a golden brown edge—you want them just set but not overbaked for a soft center. Let cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate and Drizzle Over Cookies

While the cookies cool, microwave the remaining chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth. Pop the melted chocolate in a small bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle the chocolate over each cookie. Let the drizzle set before serving. I promise, this final touch takes these Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe cookies from amazing to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishing simple with just the chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios on top when the chocolate is still wet—it adds a pretty, professional touch and an extra crunch. Sometimes I even dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet snow-dusted look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of strong espresso or cappuccino—perfect if you’re aiming for a little Italian-inspired coffee break with friends. They’re also great alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato for an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these cookies in a pretty circular pattern on a cake stand, garnished with edible flowers or fresh orange slices to highlight the citrus flavor inside. Another fun idea is to sandwich a little mascarpone frosting between two cookies to mimic a cannoli while keeping it portable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Holy Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, which is usually how long I can resist before gobbling them all up!

Freezing

If you want to save some dough for later, I recommend freezing scooped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time. The cookies turn out just as delicious.

Reheating

Leftover cookies warm up beautifully in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh-baked softness. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my baking rotation because of how reliably delicious and unique it is. I love serving these cookies when I want to impress without stress. If you give this recipe a try, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too—and you’ll enjoy the way it brings a little something special to your cookie jar. Happy baking, friend!

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