The Ultimate Guide to Cannoli Cookies
Everything You Love About Cannoli—In a Soft, Chewy Cookie
If you love classic Italian cannoli with their creamy ricotta filling, sweet citrusy notes, and chocolate chip crunch, then cannoli cookies are going to be your new obsession. These delightful cookies bring all the beloved flavors of a traditional cannoli but in a soft-baked, no-fuss cookie form.
Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or simply when you’re craving something unique, cannoli cookies are a fun twist on a bakery favorite. Made with ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and hints of vanilla and orange, they’re light, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
What Are Cannoli Cookies?
Cannoli cookies are inspired by the iconic Sicilian pastry but skip the fried shell. Instead, they transform the signature cannoli flavor into a soft cookie, often using ricotta cheese, citrus zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
These cookies are easy to prepare, require no piping bags or shells, and are a great make-ahead treat. They offer the creamy, spiced, and slightly tangy richness that makes cannoli a classic, now with the simplicity of a drop cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: No need to fry shells or pipe filling.
- Authentic flavor: Uses ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and citrus for that traditional cannoli taste.
- Soft and moist: Thanks to the ricotta and butter, the texture is fluffy and tender.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat to keep on hand.
Key Ingredients Overview
Let’s break down what makes these cookies so flavorful and irresistible:
- Ricotta cheese – Adds moisture and gives the cookies their creamy, almost cake-like interior.
- Unsalted butter – For richness and structure.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and create lightness.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure without being too dense.
- Vanilla extract & orange zest – Deliver that bright, zesty, traditional cannoli flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips – Give a bite of chocolate in every mouthful, just like a filled cannoli.
- Baking powder & salt – Ensure the cookies rise properly and are well balanced.
Texture and Taste
Cannoli cookies are soft, slightly cakey, and full of flavor. The ricotta cheese ensures each bite stays moist, while the orange zest and vanilla bring a fresh brightness that complements the sweetness. Mini chocolate chips add a subtle crunch and rich chocolatey notes.
The taste is warm and nostalgic with a hint of Italian pastry-shop flair—perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Best Occasions for Cannoli Cookies
- Christmas cookie trays
- Italian-themed dinners or desserts
- Easter or spring gatherings
- Bridal or baby showers
- Potlucks and school events
They look festive and gourmet, yet are easy enough to bake on a weeknight.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped pistachios for crunch and color.
- Mix in cinnamon for a warming touch.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty profile.
How to Store Cannoli Cookies
Cannoli cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they store well:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
They thaw beautifully at room temperature or can be warmed briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain ricotta: If your ricotta is watery, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve for an hour to prevent soggy cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated to keep the cookies soft.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies and consistent baking.
- Chill the dough: If it’s sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking.
- Decorate: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or dip the tops in melted chocolate for presentation.
Quick Recipe Summary
Cannoli Cookies
Description:
Soft and cake-like cookies made with creamy ricotta, orange zest, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips—bringing all the flavor of a classic Italian cannoli in one easy-to-make treat.
Duration
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add ricotta, egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.