Cannoli Cookie Recipe

If you love the taste of creamy cannoli but crave something easier to bake, this Cannoli Cookie Recipe is your new go-to dessert. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, sweet ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, these cookies bring the heart of Sicily right to your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas or craving an after-dinner treat, these Italian cannoli cookies are simple, fun, and unforgettable.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make cannoli cookies from scratch, with all the flavor of traditional cannoli but none of the fuss. You’ll also learn how to create a creamy filling, tips for the perfect texture, and ways to turn them into mini cannoli cookie cups for special occasions.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• This Cannoli Cookie Recipe captures authentic Italian flavors with an easy homemade twist.
• The cookies are soft, chewy, and studded with mini chocolate chips and orange zest.
• You can make them from scratch in under 30 minutes using pantry staples.
• They pair beautifully with espresso or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• These cookies can be made ahead, perfect for holiday cookie trays or Sunday dinners.

The Story Behind My Cannoli Cookie Recipe

How I Fell in Love with Cannoli Cookies

When I first moved to Austin, I missed the smell of my grandma’s kitchen back in Brooklyn. Every Christmas, she made trays of traditional Italian cannoli, the kind with crisp shells and creamy ricotta filling dusted with sugar. But here’s the thing, those shells were a labor of love. One night, craving that flavor without the deep-frying, I wondered: Could I turn cannoli into a cookie?

A few tries (and a few messy kitchens) later, I found the perfect blend of flavors, vanilla, orange zest, and ricotta, that brought back every memory. That’s how this easy cannoli cookie recipe was born. It’s sweet, soft, and tastes just like home, minus the frying oil.

These cookies are especially popular during holidays, much like my Crumbl Cookie Recipe and Banana Bread Cookies Recipe.

What Makes Cannoli Cookies So Special?

Cannoli cookies combine the soul of a traditional Italian dessert with the simplicity of an American-style cookie. The secret is in the ricotta cheese, it keeps the cookies soft and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Then come the mini chocolate chips for texture and a little magic.

For an extra festive twist, I sometimes make cannoli cookie cups by pressing the dough into muffin tins and piping in a bit of the filling. They’re adorable, bite-sized, and look stunning on a dessert table.

If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll also want to try my Madeleine Cookies Recipe with Cream or these Easy Cookie Recipes for Beginners.

Summary
You can make cannoli cookies from scratch using ricotta, mini chocolate chips, vanilla, and orange zest. These soft Italian-style cookies taste just like cannoli but require no frying, perfect for quick, homemade desserts.

Flavor Profile of Italian Cannoli Cookies

So, what exactly do Italian cannoli cookies taste like? Imagine the soft chew of a sugar cookie infused with the creamy flavor of ricotta and the bright hint of citrus. The orange zest lifts the sweetness, while the chocolate chips melt slightly into the dough.

They taste like the holidays, love, and a little bit of nostalgia in every bite.

If you’re into other nostalgic cookie flavors, you’ll enjoy my Oreo Inside Cookie Recipe or the flaky Cookie Croissant Recipe.

Summary:
Cannoli cookies have a rich, creamy taste with hints of vanilla, citrus, and chocolate. The ricotta adds moisture, creating a soft, tender texture that mirrors traditional cannoli filling in cookie form.

Traditional vs. Modern Cannoli Cookie Recipes

Here’s a quick breakdown of how modern cannoli cookies differ from the traditional Italian version:

Cannoli cookies differ from traditional cannoli by blending ricotta and chocolate chips into soft cookie dough instead of a fried shell and separate filling. They’re faster to make but taste just as rich.

Quick Tip: The Secret Ingredient

Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough. It might seem small, but it gives the cookies a bright, authentic Italian flavor that ties everything together.

Ingredients for the Best Cannoli Cookie Recipe

This Cannoli Cookie Recipe uses simple ingredients like ricotta, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips to recreate authentic Italian flavor. Mix them in one bowl for soft, bakery-style cookies in under 30 minutes.

The Essential Ingredients for a Cannoli Cookie Recipe

When I say this Cannoli Cookie Recipe is simple, I mean it, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Each one brings something special to the cookie’s soft, creamy texture and rich Italian flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

These ingredients come together to create the best cannoli cookie recipe you’ll ever try. The ricotta keeps them soft for days, while the orange zest and chocolate chips make every bite irresistible.

Pro Tip: Use Fresh Ricotta for Authentic Texture

Fresh ricotta is key in this Cannoli Cookie Recipe. Avoid the watery kind; strain it overnight if needed. A thick ricotta gives you cookies that stay moist without turning dense.

If you love experimenting with textures, you might also enjoy my Coconut Pecan Cookie Recipe or these light and buttery Vanilla Wafer Cookies.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies from Scratch

To make cannoli cookies from scratch, cream butter, sugar, and ricotta together, then mix in dry ingredients and chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until golden and soft.

Step-by-Step: Cannoli Cookie Recipe Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious cookies from scratch:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This gives your Cannoli Cookie Recipe that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add the ricotta, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Whisk the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, and salt, in a separate bowl.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures, then fold in mini chocolate chips. Don’t overmix.
6. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
8. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

Easy Cannoli Cookie Recipe

These soft and chewy Cannoli Cookies bring all the flavors of classic Italian cannoli into an easy, no-fry cookie! Made with ricotta, chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try this irresistible Italian treat today!

Print Pin

Course: cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Cannoli cookie recipe, easy cannoli cookie recipe, Italian cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Resting time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 Cookies

Calories: 140kcal

Cost: $10

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon
• Wire Rack
• Fine-Mesh Sieve

Ingredients

• ✅ Wet Ingredients:
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar for sweetness
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese drain if watery
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for depth of flavor
• ✅ Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted for a lighter texture
• 1 teaspoon baking powder leavening agent
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth
• ¼ teaspoon salt balances flavors
• ✅ Mix-ins & Toppings:
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips for that classic cannoli taste
• ½ cup chopped pistachios optional, adds crunch
• Powdered sugar for dusting (classic cannoli topping)

Instructions

• 1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
• Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
• Add ricotta, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
• 2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
• 3️⃣ Add Mix-ins & Chill the Dough:
• Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
• Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
• 4️⃣ Bake the Cookies:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
• 5️⃣ Cool & Garnish:
• Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar.
• Optional: Chocolate Drizzle
• Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Notes

✔ For extra flavor, add orange zest or almond extract to the dough.
✔ Want a crunchier texture? Bake for an extra 2 minutes until golden.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 55mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Calcium: 25mg

Chef’s Tip: Chill the Dough

If your kitchen runs warm (hello, Texas summers!), chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading.

These cookies are perfect with espresso, much like my Raspberry Cookie Recipe and Chocolate Wafer Cookies.

Optional Variation: Cannoli Cookie Cups

Want something extra special? Turn this Cannoli Cookie Recipe into adorable Cannoli Cookie Cups:

1. Press dough into mini muffin tins.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
3. Once cooled, fill the centers with sweetened ricotta or mascarpone and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

These make perfect party desserts or holiday gifts.

You’ll find similar creative cookie ideas in my Wafer Cookies Collection and Easy Cookie Recipes for Beginners.

Cannoli Cookie Flavors, Fillings & Italian Holiday Traditions

Cannoli cookies are a modern twist on traditional Italian cannoli, blending creamy ricotta, vanilla, and citrus into soft cookies. Some versions include a sweet ricotta filling to mimic the original dessert’s texture and flavor.

Are Cannoli Cookies a Traditional Italian Treat?

While Cannoli Cookie Recipes aren’t centuries-old like classic Sicilian cannoli, they honor the same heritage. Traditional cannoli date back to Palermo, Sicily, crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate. These cookies borrow those flavors but trade frying for baking, creating a softer, easier, and family-friendly version that still tastes authentically Italian.

You’ll find them on Italian-American Christmas tables alongside butter cookies and biscotti. They share that same festive warmth, just in a simpler form.

Do Cannoli Cookies Have a Filling?

This Cannoli Cookie Recipe blends ricotta directly into the dough for a creamy bite in every cookie. However, you can take it further, split baked cookies and sandwich them with whipped ricotta and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s like a “mini cannoli sandwich” without the mess.

These filled cookies pair beautifully with espresso or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Real-Life Kitchen Moment

“Lucy, I made your Cannoli Cookie Recipe last Christmas, and my Nonna cried happy tears! She said it tasted like home but easier for her hands. We’ve made them every Sunday since.”
— Maria G., Dallas, TX

Recap:
Cannoli cookies capture Italian flavor in an easy-bake form. Whether you fill them or enjoy them plain, each cookie carries the creamy, citrusy sweetness of traditional cannoli in every soft bite.

Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookies & Make-Ahead Storage Guide

To make the perfect Cannoli Cookie Recipe, use full-fat ricotta, don’t overmix, and bake until edges are just golden. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze the dough for future baking.

Pro Tips for Baking the Perfect Cannoli Cookie Recipe

Every Cannoli Cookie Recipe has one secret ingredient: patience. The dough is simple, but a few small habits make all the difference between good and bakery-quality cookies.

1. Use whole-milk ricotta. It creates a creamy, soft crumb that mimics traditional cannoli filling.
2. Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until flour disappears, overmixing makes tough cookies.
3. Scoop evenly. Use a small cookie scoop for consistent baking.
4. Watch the oven closely. Bake until edges are golden; the centers will finish setting as they cool.
5. Dust last. Add powdered sugar only after cooling to avoid melting.

If you love texture-driven cookies, you’ll also adore my Crumbl Cookie Recipe and Banana Bread Cookies Recipe.

How to Store Cannoli Cookies for Freshness

This Cannoli Cookie Recipe stays soft for days thanks to the ricotta. Once cooled, place cookies in an airtight tin lined with parchment. Store at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.

You can also freeze the dough: roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, just add 1 extra minute.

Recap:
The best Cannoli Cookie Recipe stays soft, flavorful, and fresh when made with whole-milk ricotta and stored properly. Freeze dough or baked cookies for make-ahead holiday treats anytime.

Serving Ideas, Pairings & Festive Twists for Cannoli Cookie Recipe

Serve this Cannoli Cookie Recipe with espresso, hot chocolate, or sweet dessert wine. Add crushed pistachios or dip edges in chocolate for a festive Italian twist perfect for holidays or gifting.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies

This Cannoli Cookie Recipe shines when served simply, just dust with powdered sugar and pile them on a rustic platter. They’re perfect alongside espresso, cappuccino, or even a small glass of vin santo (sweet Italian dessert wine).

For gatherings, stack the cookies in layers separated by parchment inside a clear jar or tin. It looks elegant, travels easily, and makes a heartfelt homemade gift.

Festive Twists & Flavor Variations

Want to elevate your Cannoli Cookie Recipe for special occasions? Try these quick upgrades:

• Chocolate-Dipped Edges: Dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate, then chill for 10 minutes.
• Pistachio Crunch: Roll warm cookies in finely chopped pistachios for color and texture.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Mix powdered sugar with a touch of cinnamon for a cozy Christmas flavor.
• Mini Cookie Sandwiches: Spread sweetened ricotta between two cookies for a handheld cannoli bite.

If you enjoy experimenting, you’ll love my Raspberry Cookie Recipe and Wafer Cookies for more creative cookie ideas.

Recap:
Serve your Cannoli Cookie Recipe with coffee or dessert wine, and personalize it by adding pistachios, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for festive flair.

FAQ: Cannoli Cookie Recipe Questions Answered

Conclusion: Baking Joy, One Cannoli Cookie at a Time

Every Cannoli Cookie Recipe I bake reminds me why I started cooking, comfort, connection, and pure joy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are simple proof that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Next time you crave something cozy, skip the takeout and try this easy cannoli cookie recipe. Pour some coffee, dust the sugar, and taste a little bit of Italy from your own kitchen.

If you loved this recipe, explore more favorites like my Easy Cookie Recipes for Beginners or Madeleine Cookies Recipe with Cream.