If you love cannoli, you’re in for a treat! These Cannoli Cookies bring all the flavors of the beloved Italian pastry—sweet ricotta, warm cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, and crunchy pistachios—into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
They’re light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious, with a subtle richness from ricotta cheese and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can enjoy the flavors of a classic cannoli without the hassle of frying!
Let’s get baking! 🥄✨
Why You’ll Love These Cannoli Cookies
✔️ Soft & Fluffy – Thanks to ricotta cheese, these cookies have an ultra-soft, almost cake-like texture.
✔️ Easy to Make – No rolling, frying, or filling—just mix, scoop, and bake!
✔️ Perfectly Spiced – A hint of cinnamon gives them that signature cannoli flavor.
✔️ Chocolate & Pistachio Delight – The combo of mini chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios makes every bite irresistible.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, tea time, or as an everyday sweet treat!
What Do Cannoli Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are like a cross between a soft sugar cookie and classic cannoli filling. They have a delicate sweetness, a buttery texture, and just the right amount of crunch from chocolate chips and pistachios. The cinnamon and almond extract add a warm, nutty depth of flavor that makes them truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
🍬 3/4 cup granulated sugar – For the perfect level of sweetness.
🥚 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients.
🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that classic warm flavor.
🌰 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle nutty aroma, just like traditional cannoli.
🧀 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – The secret ingredient for a soft and tender texture!
🌾 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure.
🧁 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps them rise beautifully.
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
🍂 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A signature cannoli spice.
🍫 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – For melty, chocolatey goodness in every bite.
🥜 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional) – Adds a little crunch and nuttiness.
🍚 Powdered sugar for dusting – The finishing touch for a bakery-style look!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Hand or stand mixer
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Spatula
✔ Baking sheet
✔ Parchment paper
✔ Cookie scoop (or spoon)
How to Make Cannoli Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). This step helps create that soft texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and ricotta cheese. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips & Pistachios
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios (if using). This ensures even distribution without overmixing.
Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set.
Step 8: Cool & Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look!
Serving Suggestions
🍵 With Coffee or Tea – Perfect for dipping!
🍨 Alongside Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a decadent dessert.
🎁 As a Gift – Pack them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift!
Tips for the Best Cannoli Cookies
✔ Use Whole Milk Ricotta – It gives the cookies the best texture and flavor.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
✔ Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps enhance the flavors.
✔ Want Extra Crunch? – Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before baking.
✔ For an Extra Cannoli Touch – Add a dash of orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrus!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
🧊 To Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
❄️ To Freeze: Freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🔥 To Refresh: Warm them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta?
You can, but the texture will be a little different. Mascarpone is richer, so the cookies might be slightly denser.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out great.
What’s the best substitute for pistachios?
If you’re not a fan of pistachios, you can use chopped almonds, walnuts, or leave the nuts out completely.
Can I add ricotta frosting on top?
Absolutely! You can mix ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla for a light, creamy topping.
Final Thoughts: A Cookie That Tastes Like Cannoli!
These Cannoli Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cannoli in an easy, no-fuss cookie form! They’re soft, sweet, and packed with chocolate chips, cinnamon, and pistachios—a true delight for any occasion.
If you try this recipe, leave a review and let me know how they turned out! And don’t forget to pin this on Pinterest so you can make them again!
📌 Craving more Italian-inspired treats? Try these next:
🍋 Lemon Ricotta Cookies
🍪 Italian Wedding Cookies
🎂 Tiramisu Cupcakes
Happy baking! 🍪✨
Cannoli Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, vanilla, almond extract (if using), and ricotta until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in Chips & Nuts: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios, if using.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Dust: Let cookies cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
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The cookies in the photo have a topping. What is it and how do I make that?
My question exactly!
There are two pictures of the cookies in the recipe, both have some kind of topping. Two questions, what are the toppings and how many cookies do you get from one recipe?
Thank you.
In your picture it looks like you put cannoli cream on the top of the cookie before you bake them. If that’s what you did, could you please tell me how you made the cannoli cream.