As you take your first bite of Cannoli Cookies, the delightful crunch gives way to a creamy filling that dances on your taste buds. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, reminiscent of bustling Italian bakeries and family gatherings filled with laughter and joy.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cannoli Cookies</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought dough for cannoli cookies?
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
- How do I prevent my cookies from becoming soggy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: You’re at a festive gathering, laughter resonating around you, and someone bites into a Cannoli Cookie. Suddenly, the room is alive with oohs and aahs as everyone reaches for more. These cookies are not just desserts; they’re memories waiting to happen, perfect for any occasion that calls for sweetness and smiles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cannoli Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings
- Their rich flavors combine creamy and crunchy elements, creating an irresistible treat
- Visually stunning with their beautiful swirl of colors, these cookies are sure to impress
- They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or dessert at any gathering or celebration
Every time I bake these Cannoli Cookies, my friends’ faces light up like it’s Christmas morning—sweet moments shared over delicious treats truly make my heart sing.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it’s the foundation of your cookie.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up—feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for that authentic cannoli flavor; it adds creaminess.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor profile beautifully; use pure extract if possible.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips work best in these cookies; they add little bursts of chocolate goodness.
Pistachios (optional): Chopped pistachios offer a delightful crunch and color contrast against the cookie dough.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This sets the stage for your cookie masterpiece.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes—look for a pale yellow color indicating it’s aerated properly.
Add ricotta cheese and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined; you want everything working together like a well-rehearsed choir singing sweet melodies.
Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overwork it! Fold in chocolate chips and optional pistachios gently so every bite has something special.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up without losing that deliciously soft center. Enjoy your Cannoli Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert
- They combine creamy filling with a crunchy cookie shell, making them irresistible
- The aroma of vanilla and chocolate wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make cannoli cookies efficiently, prepare the dough first, then chill it while you mix the filling. This ensures a smooth assembly process and enhances flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for mascarpone for extra creaminess or add orange zest for a citrusy kick. These small tweaks can elevate your cannoli cookies to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to regain their crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making cannoli cookies, ensure the ricotta is well-drained to avoid soggy cookies
- Also, let the dough chill before rolling out; this makes it easier to handle
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the chocolate chips; they’re essential for that extra flavor burst!
The first time I made these cannoli cookies, my friend claimed they were better than her grandmother’s recipe! That kind of praise warms my heart and keeps me experimenting in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough for cannoli cookies?
While it’s possible, homemade dough offers better flavor and texture for these delicious treats.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Mascarpone or cream cheese can be used as delicious alternatives to ricotta.
How do I prevent my cookies from becoming soggy?
Make sure to fill the cookies just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cannoli Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cannoli Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy filling and crunchy cookie, perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. These treats evoke the essence of Italian bakeries with every bite, making them a sweet addition to your dessert repertoire. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they will undoubtedly impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add flour until just combined, then gently fold in chocolate chips and pistachios.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges but soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg





