Name: Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490047H26M52S
Total time: PT-490047H26M52S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon zest; ½ cup (75 g) mini chocolate chips; ½ cup (75 g) chopped pistachios; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 287 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine the creamy, sweet ricotta filling and the crisp, flavorful shell of a traditional cannoli, reimagined into soft, chewy cookies dotted with mini chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios. Each bite beautifully balances the richness of ricotta with zesty lemon and a whisper of vanilla, making these cookies irresistibly charming. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or an impressive party treat, this recipe brings the joy of authentic flavors with a playful cookie form that’s easy to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white checked cloth partially visible underneath. Inside the bowl is a pale yellow, soft and crumbly mixture with a somewhat grainy texture. The mixture fills the bowl about halfway, and the sides of the bowl show traces of the mixture stuck to them. The overall scene is lit softly, highlighting the texture and color of the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for this Cannoli Cookies Recipe. Each component is simple but absolutely essential, working together to create that perfect blend of creaminess, texture, and subtle sweetness that makes these cookies stand out.

All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure and the perfect crumb for the cookie base.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough evenly without overpowering the ricotta’s delicate flavor.
Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Adds moisture and a creamy richness that is the heart of the cannoli-inspired taste.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to bring all the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and enhances all the sweet flavors.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): Brings a fresh, bright note that balances the richness beautifully.
Mini chocolate chips (½ cup): Adds sweet bursts of chocolate that melt in your mouth, a playful must-have.
Chopped pistachios (½ cup): Provides a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness for a true cannoli-inspired finish.
Powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch of elegance and sweetness that mimics the classic cannoli look.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar, then gently fold in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix just until you have a smooth, cohesive dough; don’t overwork it, or your cookies might turn out tough. This dough will be soft and fragrant, signaling you’re on the right track to making those incredible Cannoli Cookies Recipe come to life.

Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins

Now, it’s time to bring in the stars of texture and flavor—mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Fold them evenly into the dough, ensuring every spoonful is packed with delicious surprises. These mix-ins create that signature crunch and melty chocolate pockets that make these cookies utterly memorable.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dollops of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Because this dough is delicate, a gentle hand will help maintain the best shape. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft. Keep an eye on them—they should look slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.

Step 4: Dust and Cool

Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. When cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar to give that classic cannoli touch and a hint of extra sweetness. That snowy layer not only makes these cookies look gorgeous but also adds a lovely texture contrast in every bite.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with thick yellow dough spread unevenly inside. On top of the dough, in separate piles, are medium green chopped nuts on the left, dark brown larger chocolate chunks in the middle, and smaller dark brown chocolate pieces to the right. Some flour dust clings to the edges of the bowl and scattered on the wood-textured surface underneath. A red and white striped cloth is partly visible under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is it shines with just a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also experiment with crushed pistachios sprinkled on top for extra color and crunch. To make them truly party-ready, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can add a visually stunning and decadent finish that will wow anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Side Dishes

Cannoli cookies pair beautifully with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine. Pour yourself some creamy cappuccino or a chilled Moscato to complement the cookie’s ricotta richness and citrus notes. Fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing balance when serving this as part of a dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the cookies around a small bowl of ricotta or mascarpone whipped cream for dipping. You could also sandwich them with a layer of sweetened ricotta filling for an over-the-top cannoli-inspired delight that doubles the flavor and fun. Gift-wrapped in a pretty tin or cellophane bags tied with ribbons, these cookies make a heartfelt homemade gift anytime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cannoli cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating as that can dry them out, but if your kitchen is humid, a cool pantry spot works beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cannoli cookies maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best experience.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This little step revives their soft texture and enhances the aroma, making them just as inviting as when you first baked them.

FAQs

Can I substitute ricotta cheese in this recipe?

Ricotta is key for that creamy texture and authentic flavor in this Cannoli Cookies Recipe, but if necessary, you can try cream cheese as a substitute for a slightly tangier cookie. Just keep in mind the texture and moisture will differ slightly.

What’s the best way to get lemon zest without the bitter part?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a grater to carefully zest only the colorful outer layer of the lemon skin, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can add bitterness.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To keep the spirit of the Cannoli Cookies Recipe, it’s tricky since ricotta and egg play central roles. However, you could experiment with vegan ricotta alternatives and flax egg, but the texture and flavor will vary and require some trial and error.

Why do some of my cookies spread too much during baking?

If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to too much moisture or too little flour. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spread and ensure a thicker, chewier cookie.

Can I add other nuts or fillings in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pistachios and chocolate chips are classic here, chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even dried candied fruit can add exciting new flavors. Just keep the total mix-ins amount similar to maintain the right dough consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking these Cannoli Cookies Recipe at home—each bite feels like a little Italian celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and heartfelt flavors in the most delightful way. Don’t wait to try making these cookies your new favorite; once you do, your kitchen will forever hold that warm, happy aroma that only homemade cannoli-inspired treats can create.