Love cannoli but don’t want to deal with frying pastry tubes or filling them just before serving? These Cannoli Cookies are here to satisfy that craving—with less fuss and all the flavor.

Infused with creamy ricotta cheese, speckled with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios, and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies capture everything you adore about traditional cannoli in soft, cakey cookie form. They’re ideal for holidays, cookie exchanges, or a sweet Italian treat any day of the year.

🇮🇹 What Are Cannoli Cookies?

Cannoli Cookies are a clever Italian-American dessert hybrid, combining the flavor profile of the iconic Sicilian cannoli with the ease and portability of cookies. Instead of crunchy, deep-fried pastry shells, these cookies use a soft dough made with ricotta cheese—just like the filling in a real cannoli.

The result is a soft, tender cookie that’s sweet, slightly tangy, and beautifully studded with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios—just like a cannoli should be.

📜 The Original Recipe (Unchanged)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150 kcal per cookie

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix in the ricotta cheese.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

👩‍🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Cannoli Cookies

1. Use Whole Milk Ricotta

Avoid watery ricotta or your cookie dough will be too wet. If needed, strain ricotta through cheesecloth or paper towels for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Softened Butter is Key

Let your butter sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes for ideal creaming. Too cold and it won’t incorporate well; too melted and the cookies might spread too much.

3. Don’t Overmix

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stir gently and stop when just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies.

4. Use a Cookie Scoop

For consistent size and baking, use a medium cookie scoop. This also keeps your hands clean and helps with uniform portions.

🍫 Optional Additions & Variations

Cannoli cookies are very customizable. Here are a few tried-and-true variations:

Orange Zest – Add 1 teaspoon for a citrusy twist.
Cinnamon – Stir in ½ teaspoon for warm spice.
Almond Extract – Swap half the vanilla for almond extract for nutty undertones.
Dried Cherries – Mix in ¼ cup for a tangy bite that complements the chocolate.
Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

🥄 Serving Suggestions

These cookies are ideal:

On a holiday cookie tray
Paired with espresso or cappuccino
As a fun addition to an Italian-themed dinner night
Wrapped in cellophane for edible gifts
At brunches or baby showers

Pro Tip: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving so they look their best.

❄️ Storage & Freezing

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to keep the ricotta fresh—just bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to baking time.

💛 Final Thoughts

These Cannoli Cookies are the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. You get the essence of a beloved Italian dessert in every soft, chewy, chocolate-studded bite—without the fuss of frying shells or using pastry bags. With a quick prep time, gorgeous appearance, and irresistible flavor, they deserve a permanent place in your recipe box.

Perfect for gifting, holiday platters, or satisfying that cannoli craving year-round, this cookie recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).