Cannoli Cookies

These light and airy cookies take their flavor inspiration from cannoli, a Sicilian dessert featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with creamy ricotta. Orange zest adds a nice citrus flavor, while chopped pistachios provide crunch. Serve these cookies for any holiday gathering.

a recipe photo of the Cannoli Cookies served on a platter
Photo: Sara Haas
Active Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
3 hrs
Servings:
15
Nutrition Profile:

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

  • 3 teaspoons finely grated orange zest, divided

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • ¼ cup finely chopped unsalted pistachios

Directions

  1. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add ricotta, 2 teaspoons orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix until combined. Add egg, mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix until the dough comes together in a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  3. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough into 30 balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until pale golden on the bottom, 15 to 16 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes on the pans before transfering to a wire rack to cool completely.

  4. Whisk confectioners' sugar, milk and the remaining 1 teaspoon orange zest in a small bowl. Spread the icing on the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with pistachios. Let the cookies set for 20 minutes before serving.

To make ahead

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Equipment

Parchment paper

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

247 Calories
10g Fat
36g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Serving Size 2 cookies
Calories 247
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 22g
Added Sugars 21g 42%
Protein 5g 10%
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 37mg 12%
Vitamin A 286IU 6%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Vitamin D 5IU 1%
Folate 53mcg 13%
Vitamin K 1mcg 1%
Sodium 153mg 7%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 7mg 2%
Potassium 47mg 1%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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