If you adore the creamy, dreamy flavors of classic Italian cannoli but want to enjoy them in a fun, cookie form, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These soft, pillowy treats combine luscious ricotta cheese with sweet vanilla and almond extracts, all studded with mini chocolate chips and the occasional crunch of pistachios. They bring that iconic cannoli taste and texture into an easy-to-bake cookie that’s perfect for any occasion, whether a casual snack, a festive dessert, or a thoughtful gift from your oven to a friend’s hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to crafting these delectable cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color that makes this Cannoli Cookies Recipe truly shine.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for tender cookies without overpowering other flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup, whole milk): Adds moisture and delicate tanginess, creating that classic cannoli softness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens while helping achieve the right cookie structure.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the dough’s softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, sweet aroma that enhances the other flavors beautifully.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle nutty undertone reminiscent of traditional cannoli filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation for the dough, lending structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly and maintain a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt in your mouth sweet spots that contrast perfectly with the creamy base.
- Chopped pistachios (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a lovely crunch and pops of vibrant green for visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that makes these cookies simply irresistible.
How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Cannoli Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the butter, ricotta, and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and well-incorporated. This step is key to getting those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Add the egg and extracts
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamy mixture. Continue beating until everything is fully combined — this is where those warm, inviting aromatics start to build the signature cannoli flavor.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt for consistent texture and taste throughout your dough.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients into a soft dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies lovely and tender. This dough should feel soft but hold together well.
Step 6: Fold in chocolate chips and pistachios
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips and optional chopped pistachios into the dough. This part adds delightful bursts of sweetness and texture that make each bite interesting and memorable.
Step 7: Scoop and bake the cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color.
Step 8: Cool and dust with powdered sugar
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar to give them that classic cannoli cookie finish.
How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar highlights the soft texture and brings a touch of elegance. For a festive twist, sprinkle a little extra chopped pistachio or even mini chocolate chips on top just before serving to amp up the eye appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a bold espresso, cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian vibe. Fresh berries or a light citrus salad can also complement their rich creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Cannoli Cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers to impress your guests. You can also stack them in decorative tins to gift friends and family, making these cookies a thoughtful and delicious present anyone would treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the ricotta filling delightful.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a sealed container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for a creamier experience.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute part-skim ricotta, but whole milk ricotta provides a richer, creamier texture that makes these cookies especially tender and flavorful.
What can I do if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can skip it or replace it with a touch more vanilla extract, although the almond adds a unique, nutty depth that’s lovely in this recipe.
Are pistachios necessary in this recipe?
Not at all! Pistachios are optional and add a wonderful crunch and visual contrast, but the cookies are just as delicious without them.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
Add a little orange zest to the dough or sprinkle colored sanding sugar on top before baking. Both are easy ways to make your Cannoli Cookies Recipe holiday-ready and extra special.
Will these cookies be soft or crunchy?
These cookies come out soft and tender with lightly crisp edges, capturing that perfect cannoli texture in cookie form—soft enough to melt in your mouth but sturdy enough to hold up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Try this Cannoli Cookies Recipe the next time you want to impress with a dessert that’s both charming and surprisingly easy to pull off. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect marriage of creamy ricotta, delicate extracts, chocolate chips, and that enchanting Italian spirit. Baking these cookies isn’t just making a treat—it’s creating joyful moments to share with the people you love.
Print
Cannoli Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Cannoli Cookies marry the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with sweet chocolate chips and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts, delivering a soft, flavorful treat reminiscent of classic Italian cannoli filling. Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Creamy Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Finishing Touch
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Ricotta, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined, incorporating flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring these ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it, to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pistachios: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips and optional chopped pistachios into the dough to evenly distribute the add-ins.
- Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheets: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool and Transfer: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent sogginess.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look and sweet touch.
Notes
- For an extra burst of traditional cannoli flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough during mixing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
