Cannoli cookies are the perfect bite-sized dessert that captures the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Italian cannoli in a soft, sandwich-style cookie. These cookies are filled with a luscious ricotta mixture and studded with mini chocolate chips for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re planning a family dessert, holiday treat, or quick weeknight baking project, these Cannoli Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their delicate sweetness, soft texture, and chocolatey surprises make them ideal for easy dinner ideas, family comfort food, and affordable holiday treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare and perfect for easy baking ideas
- Soft, chewy cookie base with creamy ricotta filling
- Fun to assemble, making it a family-friendly dessert recipe
- Mini chocolate chips add pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite
- Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or casual meal prep dessert ideas
- Beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never baked homemade cookies before
Ingredient Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie base and gives structure to the dough.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and tender.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor of the butter and chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides rich, creamy flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookie dough and helps with slight caramelization while baking.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile and adds aromatic sweetness.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creates a creamy, indulgent filling that mimics the classic cannoli flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the ricotta filling evenly for a smooth texture.
- Cinnamon – Adds a subtle warmth to the filling and rolling sugar.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds chocolate bursts in every bite for the perfect dessert experience.
- Cinnamon-Sugar for Rolling – Gives the cookie exterior a slightly sweet, flavorful crust.
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies to ensure uniform baking.
- Flatten cookies slightly with a glass for consistent thickness and even bake.
- Let cookies cool completely before assembling with ricotta filling to prevent melting.
- Toast mini chocolate chips lightly for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free friendly.
- Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add orange zest or almond extract to the ricotta filling for a flavor twist.
- Replace mini chocolate chips with chopped pistachios or white chocolate for variety.
- Use low-fat ricotta for a lighter dessert option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cannoli Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant presentation. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for an indulgent dessert experience. These cookies are perfect for easy party food ideas, cookie exchanges, or family dessert nights.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Assemble cookies and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month and fill with ricotta when ready to serve.
- Leftover filled cookies can be kept chilled, but consume within 2–3 days for best flavor.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Inspired by classic Italian cannoli, these cookies translate the traditional pastry into a convenient sandwich cookie. Cannoli have been a beloved Sicilian dessert for centuries, and this cookie version brings the same creamy, chocolatey indulgence to a modern kitchen-friendly treat. Perfect for holiday dessert recipes, family comfort food, and traditional Italian sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? – Yes, unfilled cookies can be baked ahead and assembled when needed.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? – Store filled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe healthier? – Use low-fat ricotta or coconut sugar as alternatives for a lighter version.
Can I use other fillings? – Yes, mascarpone or cream cheese can replace ricotta for a slightly different texture.
Can these be frozen? – Unfilled cookies freeze well for up to 1 month; fill with ricotta after thawing.
Cannoli Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips in a separate bowl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place balls on baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Spread a teaspoon of ricotta filling on one cookie and sandwich with another.
