Best Cannoli Cookies: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Table of Contents

• 1. Why You’ll Love These Best Cannoli Cookies
• 2. Gather Your Ingredients: Cannoli Cookie Essentials
• 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cannoli Cookies
• 3.1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• 3.2. Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cookies
• 3.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
• 3.4. Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling
• 3.5. Step 5: Assemble and Dust
• 4. Tips and Tricks for the Best Cannoli Cookie Recipe
• 5. Cannoli Cookie Variations: Customize Your Treat
• 6. Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Homemade Cannoli Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert! This recipe for the best cannoli cookies combines all the beloved flavors of a classic Italian cannoli—creamy ricotta, hints of orange, and mini chocolate chips—into a soft, delicious cookie. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a cannoli craving without the fuss of frying shells.

We’ve designed this simple recipe to be approachable for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey. These cannoli cookies are a fantastic treat for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend at home. They deliver that authentic Italian bakery taste in every single bite!

1. Why You’ll Love These Best Cannoli Cookies

There are so many reasons this recipe will become a staple in your collection. First, it captures the essence of a traditional cannoli perfectly. The cookie base is tender yet sturdy, and the ricotta filling is light, creamy, and not overly sweet. It’s a truly sophisticated dessert recipe.

Second, these cookies are incredibly easy to make! We break it down into five simple steps that anyone can follow. You get all the rewarding flavor of a complex pastry with the simplicity of a drop cookie. This is a quick dessert that always impresses. See others recipes here .

2. Gather Your Ingredients: Cannoli Cookie Essentials

The key to the best cannoli cookies is using high-quality ingredients, especially the ricotta. For the best texture and flavor in your ricotta filling, look for whole milk ricotta and be sure to drain it well. A watery filling can make the cookies soggy.

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for garnish
• Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cannoli Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Italian cookies you’ve ever tasted. The process is straightforward and fun!

3.1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

3.2. Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball. This will hold the delicious ricotta filling later! Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

3.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If the indentations have puffed up, you can gently press them down again with a spoon while they are still warm.

3.4. Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling

While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. It’s vital to use well-drained ricotta to avoid a runny filling. You can learn more about selecting the right kind from this excellent guide on what ricotta cheese is. In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

3.5. Step 5: Assemble and Dust

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your cannoli cookies! Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the indentation of each cookie with the ricotta mixture. Garnish with a few extra mini chocolate chips or some finely chopped pistachios. For a classic final touch, lightly dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving.

4. Tips and Tricks for the Best Cannoli Cookie Recipe

To truly make the best cannoli cookies, keep these tips in mind. First, don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s the secret to a perfect thumbprint shape. Second, draining the ricotta is non-negotiable. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) to remove excess liquid.

For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest. It adds a bright, authentic note that complements the creamy filling beautifully. Lastly, wait to fill the cookies until you’re ready to serve them, or at least within a few hours of serving, to ensure they remain crisp and don’t get soggy.

5. Cannoli Cookie Variations: Customize Your Treat

Have fun and make this cannoli cookie recipe your own! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warmer spice profile. For the filling, try dipping the edges in chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, or even candied orange peel instead of just chocolate chips.

If you’re a chocolate lover, you can dip half of the assembled cookie in melted dark chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving for a truly decadent twist on this classic Italian-inspired dessert.

6. Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Homemade Cannoli Cookies

These cannoli cookies are a showstopper on their own, perfect with a cup of coffee or an espresso. They make a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie platter or a dessert table for a special occasion. Arrange them on a beautiful plate and watch them disappear!

Because of the fresh ricotta filling, these cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also scoop the dough balls, create the indentations, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

How do I properly store leftover cannoli cookies?

Because the filling is made with fresh ricotta cheese, these cookies must be refrigerated. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, it’s recommended to fill the cookies just before serving. You can store the unfilled, cooled cookies at room temperature for 3-4 days and the filling separately in the fridge.

What can I do if my ricotta filling seems too runny?

A runny filling is almost always caused by excess moisture in the ricotta. The best prevention is to drain the ricotta thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, in the fridge. If it’s still too thin after mixing, you can try stirring in an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to help thicken it up. However, proper draining is the most effective solution.