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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. **Add the Ricotta and Eggs**:
Mix in the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The ricotta will add a creamy texture to the dough, giving it that cannoli-like richness.
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients**:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. **Incorporate Zest and Chocolate Chips**:
Gently fold in the orange or lemon zest, and if desired, mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. The zest will add a refreshing citrus flavor, while the chocolate chips or pistachios will provide an extra bit of texture and flavor, much like the classic cannoli filling.
6. **Form the Cookies**:
Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies, or simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
7. **Bake the Cookies**:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
8. **Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar**:
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
### Serving Suggestions
Cannoli cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them in a variety of ways:
– **With Coffee or Tea**: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or tea for a delightful snack.
– **On a Cookie Platter**: Cannoli cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table. They’ll definitely be a standout.
– **Pair with a Sweet Wine**: For a sophisticated touch, pair these cookies with a glass of sweet dessert wine, like Moscato or Vin Santo, for an Italian-inspired treat.
### Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cookies
– **All the Flavor, No Frying**: These cookies capture the essence of traditional cannoli without the hassle of frying.
– **Simple Ingredients**: With basic pantry staples, these cookies are easy to make and require little prep time.
– **Soft and Chewy**: The ricotta cheese gives the cookies a moist and soft texture, similar to the creamy filling of a cannoli.
– **Versatile**: You can customize these cookies with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit, depending on your taste.
– **Perfect for Holidays or Any Time**: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a regular day, these cookies are always a hit with family and friends.
### Conclusion
**Cannoli Cookies** are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in a simple, easy-to-make cookie. With their rich, creamy texture from the ricotta cheese, zesty citrus notes, and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or pistachios, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, why not skip the frying and make these irresistible cannoli-inspired treats? Your taste buds will thank you!
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