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Cannoli Cookie Recipe with Orange, Cinnamon, and Chocolate Recipe

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These Cannoli Cookies perfectly capture the classic flavors of traditional cannoli with notes of orange, cinnamon, and chocolate. Featuring a delicate texture and rich, creamy ricotta, combined with a hint of Marsala wine and a chocolate drizzle topping, these cookies make a delightful addition to any dessert spread.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

  • 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 grams) white granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sweet Marsala wine
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped chocolate or chocolate chips

For Decorating

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chocolate chips (for melting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
  2. Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest: Add the white granulated sugar into a mixing bowl. Grate the zest of one orange directly over the sugar, then rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until fragrant to release the citrus oils.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the softened unsalted butter to the orange-scented sugar. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a handheld electric mixer), beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well aerated.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until fully combined. Next, mix in the whole milk ricotta cheese and sweet Marsala wine until smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition to form a smooth cookie dough. Then fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
  7. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
  8. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown and the cookies appear set.
  10. Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating.
  11. Melt Chocolate for Drizzle: Place ½ cup chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler method). Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
  12. Decorate: Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a classic look. Then dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies. Let the chocolate set completely before storing.

Notes

  • Flour: For best results, measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
  • Chocolate: Use good quality chocolate or chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can use semi-sweet or bittersweet depending on your preference.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides a rich texture; drain excess liquid if ricotta is very wet to avoid soft dough.
  • Chilling the dough: This step is crucial to develop flavor and maintain cookie shape while baking.
  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian