Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe because it’s like getting a little taste of Italy right in your own kitchen. These cookies are special—not just because of their delicate flavor combination, but because they’re perfect for holiday baking when you want something festive yet comforting. You’ll find that the ricotta adds such a lovely moistness, while the pistachios and orange zest give that quintessential Italian vibe that’s totally addictive.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to put together, even though it feels like something you’d pick up in a fancy Italian bakery. Whether you’re making them for Christmas, a special gathering, or just treating yourself, this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles with every bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday cookie lineup!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to give that authentic Italian touch. When you pick your ricotta, opt for whole milk ricotta if you can—it really makes a difference in moisture and richness.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and golden the cookies perfectly.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and a delicate, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor booster that rounds out the spices and zest.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives subtle warmth—don’t skip it!
• Fresh Orange Zest: Brightens the cookies with citrusy freshness; be sure to use only the orange peel.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the cookies puff up just right.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cookies.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Half mixed in for bite-sized chocolate surprises and half melted for drizzling.
• Chopped Pistachios: Adds crunch and that green pop of color that’s so festive.

Variations

I love that this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe can be personalized so easily. Over the years, I’ve swapped out nuts and experimented with flavor extracts to suit different occasions or dietary needs, and it still tastes fantastic.

• Swap Pistachios for Almonds or Walnuts: I once used toasted almonds, and it gave a lovely nutty depth that my family adored.
• Use Dark Chocolate Chips: For a richer, less sweet option that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
• Add Almond Extract or Fiori di Sicilia: Tried these once to boost the cookie’s Italian flair, and the extra floral notes felt like a special treat.
• Omit Orange Zest: If you’re not a fan, these still taste great with just cinnamon and vanilla.

How to Make Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. I like to pause and scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything is mixed evenly. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, leading to those tender, puffy cookies we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Ricotta, and Flavorings

Next, mix in the eggs until fully combined, then add the ricotta cheese. I recommend using full-fat ricotta for the best texture. Stir in your vanilla extract, cinnamon, and freshly grated orange zest. These flavorings really make this cookie stand out, so don’t be tempted to skip the zest—it brightens everything up beautifully!

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Combine the baking powder, baking soda, and salt separately, then gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Once everything is just coming together, fold in the all-purpose flour gently—overmixing can make cookies tough, so a light touch is key here. Finally, stir in half of the mini chocolate chips and all the chopped pistachios.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. Trust me, this makes a huge difference because chilled dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives you that lovely, thick texture. I’ve learned this the hard way—skipping this step tends to result in flat cookies that don’t have the same charming puffiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to drop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-11 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown—watching closely during the last few minutes is key to prevent overbaking. Once out, let the cookies cool briefly on the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Melt and Drizzle Chocolate

Microwave the remaining chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Snip off a tiny corner of a resealable plastic bag, fill with the melted chocolate, and drizzle over the cooled cookies. It’s such a simple touch, but it adds an elegant, irresistible finish. Let the chocolate set at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the chocolate drizzle and chopped pistachios already in the cookie, but sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for that little festive touch. If it’s a real holiday event, a few candied orange peel pieces on top look dazzling and reinforce the citrus notes inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo. If serving at a party, a cheese board with aged cheeses and fresh fruit complements the nutty and sweet flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe during the holidays is on a tiered cookie stand with little sprigs of fresh rosemary and a handful of whole pistachios scattered around. It adds a festive green pop that ties beautifully into the flavor profile. Wrapping a small stack with clear cellophane and a ribbon also makes for a lovely gift from your kitchen to friends or neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and soft for several days. They don’t need refrigeration, which is great for holiday cookie platters that get nibbled over time. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies with great results. For the dough, I portion it into scoops on a tray, freeze until firm, and then store in a freezer bag—perfect for pulling out a batch whenever you want fresh cookies. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature and they taste almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies that cooled and firmed up in the fridge or freezer, I like to warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes just before serving. This refreshes their softness and melts the chocolate drizzle slightly without overbaking or drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Holy Cannoli Cookies Recipe (Italian Christmas Cookies) Recipe enough—it’s one of those treasures you’ll find yourself turning to year after year. I always feel a little festive magic in the kitchen when I make them, and my family goes crazy for the tender crumb and bright orange notes. If you want a cookie that stands out with authentic Italian spirit and simple ingredients, this is absolutely worth making. Go ahead, try it out, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!

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