Sweet Italian Triumph: Cannoli-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These Sweet Italian Triumph Thumbprint Cookies are inspired by the classic flavors of cannoli, featuring a tender, buttery cookie base filled with a luscious ricotta cheese mixture accented with orange zest and mini chocolate chips. Topped with crushed pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies bring an elegant Italian dessert to your home baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, drained well
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange zest
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Garnish
- Pistachios, finely chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
- Shaping and Initial Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into uniform-sized balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a well for the filling.
- Baking and Cooling: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Ricotta Filling Creation: In a bowl, whip the drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Final Assembly and Garnishing: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cookie’s center well with the ricotta filling. Garnish the tops with extra mini chocolate chips, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serving and Storage: Enjoy the cookies immediately or refrigerate them for up to two days. Before serving, bring the cookies back to room temperature to enhance their flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well drained to prevent a watery filling.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier dough mixing and better texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Allow cookies to warm to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- For a nut-free option, omit pistachios or replace with another garnish.
Keywords: Italian cookies, cannoli inspired, thumbprint cookies, ricotta filling, dessert cookies, holiday baking
