Name: Delicious Cannoli Cookies that Bring Italian Joy Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 49 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Well-drained); 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Pistachios (Chopped); 1/2 cup Butter (Softened); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs (Room temperature); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 tablespoon Orange Zest

Traveling through the charming streets of Italy, the air was fragrant with the warmth of freshly baked desserts. One treat captured my heart—the classic cannoli, with its crispy shell and creamy filling. But who has the patience for frying when you can enjoy all those delightful flavors in a cookie? Enter my Irresistible Cannoli Cookies! These little bites pack a punch with their luscious ricotta texture, sweet mini chocolate chips, and a hint of exotic spices. The best part? They are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or an afternoon coffee break. Just imagine the joy of indulging in these tender, cake-like treats that showcase the beloved essence of Italian cannoli—all while skipping the fuss of the traditional method. Are you ready to dive into this sweet adventure?

Why You’ll Crave Cannoli Cookies?

Simplicity at Its Best: Crafting these cookies takes minimal effort, making them accessible even for beginner bakers.

Irresistible Flavor: With creamy ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and aromatic spices, each bite is a flavor explosion that transports you straight to Italy.

Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are bound to impress family and friends alike.

Texture Triumph: Enjoy a delightful contrast of soft, cake-like cookie with a slight crunch from the pistachios, creating a sensory experience that’s hard to resist.

Endless Variations: Feel free to customize these cookies with almond instead of pistachios or a twist of lemon zest. With each change, you can discover a new favorite!

So if you’re in the mood for something unique, don’t miss out on these delightful cookies— and if you’re looking for more sweet inspirations, check out my Bakery Style Cookies or Peanut Butter Cookies.

Cannoli Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Ricotta Cheese – Provides the creamy texture that mimics the filling of traditional cannoli.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds a touch of sweetness; small size ensures even distribution throughout the cookies.
Pistachios – Contributes a delightful crunch; feel free to substitute with your favorite chopped nuts.
Butter – Essential for a tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that light, fluffy texture when blended with butter.
Eggs – Provide moisture and structure; using room temperature eggs aids in better mixing.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the cookie, ensuring the right structure; measure carefully for the best results.
Baking Powder & Salt – Ensures proper rise and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These warm spices bring that authentic cannoli flavor straight into your cookie dough; adjust based on your taste.
Vanilla Extract & Orange Zest – Elevate the overall flavor profile, giving it that true dessert essence; don’t skip these!

Let’s get ready to blend these ingredients into a symphony of flavors you won’t forget—your perfect cannoli cookies await!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with warmth, anticipating the delightful aroma of Cannoli Cookies.

Step 2: Drain the Ricotta
To achieve the perfect texture, place your ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer and let it drain for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture—overly wet ricotta can lead to flat cookies. Just imagine the creamy goodness that will soon make these cookies irresistible!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure the mixture is well combined and free of lumps. Set it aside as this flour blend is essential for the structure of your Cannoli Cookies, giving them that delightful cake-like texture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a stand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. The mixture should turn pale and airy. This process is important for creating a tender crumb in your delicious Cannoli Cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
Add eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This process should take about 1-2 minutes each. The goal is to achieve a smooth and cohesive batter, which is key to ensuring your Cannoli Cookies have that rich flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Mix in Ricotta and Flavorings
Carefully fold in the well-drained ricotta, vanilla extract, and orange zest until just combined. This step adds creaminess and a burst of flavor that evokes the essence of traditional cannoli. Be gentle to preserve the air in your mixture for fluffy cookies!

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. You’ll want to see a homogenous dough form without any visible flour, signaling it’s time to move on to the exciting part—adding the mix-ins!

Step 8: Add Mix-ins
With a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. This will distribute the sweet chocolate chunks and crunchy nuts throughout your cookie dough. Their vibrant colors should peek through, enticing you with the promise of flavor in every bite of Cannoli Cookies.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even baking. You should see the glistening chocolate chips and green pistachios nestled in each scoop of cookie dough as you prepare for baking.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; once the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underdone, your Cannoli Cookies are ready to come out. This will ensure they remain soft and chewy in the center!

Step 11: Cool and Decorate
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate on top and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, adding that sweet cannoli touch to your delicious cookies.

Cannoli Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these cannoli cookies—customize them to fit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a nut-based cream cheese alternative to enjoy delicious cookies without dairy.
Nut-Free: Omit pistachios and replace with sunflower seeds to maintain that delightful crunch without allergens.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, making sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Spiced Up: For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon and nutmeg—unexpected yet delightful!
Chocolate Lovers: Increase the amount of mini chocolate chips for a more indulgent experience or replace half with white chocolate for a fun twist.
Citrusy Freshness: Instead of orange zest, try using lemon zest to give your cookies a bright and fresh flavor that complements the sweet ingredients beautifully.
Baked Bites: If you’re craving something even simpler, turn the dough into small bars by pressing it into a baking pan. Bake and cut into squares after cooling!
Decorative Touch: Experiment with topping your cookies with drizzles of caramel sauce or crushed nuts before they cool for an artisan touch.

For more delightful treats, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Cookies Cream Cupcakes and Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies—each one is sure to bring joy to your kitchen!

Make Ahead Options

These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh while allowing the dough to chill properly, which enhances the cookie texture. Alternatively, you can shape the cookies into individual rounds and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply place the chilled dough directly on your baking sheets and follow the usual baking instructions. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delicious Cannoli Cookies ready with minimal effort, bringing all the joy of homemade treats to your table!

What to Serve with Irresistible Cannoli Cookies

Elevate your cannoli cookie experience with delightful pairings that enhance their unique flavors and textures.

Espresso: A robust cup of espresso balances the sweetness of the cookies while offering a rich, aromatic finish.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy, lightly sweetened cream adds an airy touch, making for a luxurious dessert experience.
Fruit Salad: Fresh, juicy fruits like strawberries and citrus provide a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s creamy texture. These bright flavors can really lighten up your dessert table.
Gelato: Indulge in a scoop of classic vanilla or rich pistachio gelato to complement the cookies’ Italian roots beautifully. It creates a creamy, dreamy dessert experience.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence that makes each bite irresistible.
Iced Tea: A glass of sweet iced tea can refresh your palate between bites, offering a cooling effect that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Vin Santo: Pair these cookies with a glass of this traditional Italian dessert wine for a truly authentic experience. Its sweetness harmonizes wonderfully with the flavors of cannoli.
Milk: Don’t underestimate the classic combo of milk and cookies; the coldness of milk enhances the sweet creaminess in every bite.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights make for an excellent sidekick, presenting different textures and a nod to the sweetness you love in the cannoli cookies.

Expert Tips for Cannoli Cookies

Well-Drained Ricotta: Ensure your ricotta is completely drained to prevent excess moisture, otherwise, you’ll end up with flat cookies.

Mixing Method: Use a stand mixer for a consistent texture. Remember, over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.

Sifting Flour: Sift your flour before measuring it—this extra step adds air and ensures a light, tender crumb in your cannoli cookies.

Reserving for Top: Set aside some mini chocolate chips and pistachios to press into the tops of your cookies for a delightful and decorative touch before baking.

Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for just 5 minutes to maintain a soft interior; transferring them too soon can result in breakage.

Customize Taste: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preference, enhancing the authentic flavors of your cannoli cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cannoli cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft texture and flavor.

Fridge: For prolonged freshness, place cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. However, note that this may slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: Freeze cannoli cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Cannoli Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ricotta cheese?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Cannoli Cookies, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese. Make sure to select a brand that is well-reviewed for quality. Look for ricotta that is creamy and free of excess liquid; draining it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent overly wet cookies. Avoid ricotta with dark spots or dryness, which indicates the cheese is past its prime.

How should I store my Cannoli Cookies?
You can store your cooled Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I often place them between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. If you’d like to keep them longer, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, though they may become slightly firmer.

Can I freeze Cannoli Cookies?
Very! Freezing Cannoli Cookies is super simple. Begin by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, usually about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm.

What if my cookies turn out flat?
Don’t worry! Flat cookies can happen for a few reasons. Ensure your ricotta cheese is well-drained and that you accurately measure your flour, as too little can affect the structure. Another common issue is over-mixing; mix just until combined to prevent flat, dense results. If you find yourself consistently having this issue, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Are Cannoli Cookies safe for my pets?
I recommend not sharing Cannoli Cookies with your pets as they contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar that can be harmful to them. Always double-check with your veterinarian regarding treats suitable for your furry friends to keep them happy and healthy.

Can I customize the flavors for dietary considerations?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients to meet your preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, you can substitute the ricotta with dairy-free options (just ensure they are thick enough) and use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you have nut allergies, simply leave out the pistachios or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without compromising safety.