Name: Irresistible Cannoli Cookies Perfect for Family Baking Fun
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Provides richness and moisture; swap with margarine for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Offers creaminess and a light texture; can be replaced with mascarpone for a different flavor.); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness and contributes to cookie texture; brown sugar offers a deeper taste.); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder for the dough; for a vegan alternative, consider using a flax egg.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms the structure of the cookies; use a gluten-free blend for a suitable alternative.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Helps cookies rise; make sure it's fresh for the best results.); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor; use kosher salt for a finer taste balance.); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Adds warmth and spice; nutmeg can be used as a substitution for a unique twist.); 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Provides delightful bursts of chocolate flavor; regular chips may not spread as evenly.); 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (Brightens the overall flavor; feel free to substitute with lemon zest if you prefer.)

As the oven fills with the warmth of freshly baked treats, I can’t help but feel like a child again, drawn back to the comforting sweetness of Italian desserts. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on Cannoli Cookies—an easy-to-make delight that brings the classic flavors of ricotta, chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus zest into a chewy cookie form. These irresistible cookies are perfect for family baking sessions, cozy afternoons, or any time you crave a touch of indulgence without the fuss. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite on your dessert table. What’s your favorite way to enjoy cookies—with a glass of milk or perhaps a cup of coffee?

Why Are Cannoli Cookies So Irresistible?

Indulgent Flavors: Each bite is packed with the creamy richness of ricotta and sweet chocolate chips—truly a match made in dessert heaven!
Family Baking Fun: Easy enough for kids to help, these Cannoli Cookies are a great way to bond while creating delicious memories in the kitchen.
Versatile Treat: Not only perfect for holidays but also enjoyable any day, they can be paired with coffee or even whisked away to a picnic.
Quick to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have warm cookies ready in no time. Plus, consider adding a twist with chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair!

Cannoli Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; swap with margarine for a dairy-free option.
Ricotta Cheese – Offers creaminess and a light texture; can be replaced with mascarpone for a different flavor.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to cookie texture; brown sugar offers a deeper taste.
Egg – Acts as a binder for the dough; for a vegan alternative, consider using a flax egg.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; use a gluten-free blend for a suitable alternative.
Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Salt – Enhances flavor; use kosher salt for a finer taste balance.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; nutmeg can be used as a substitution for a unique twist.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Provides delightful bursts of chocolate flavor; regular chips may not spread as evenly.
Orange Zest – Brightens the overall flavor; feel free to substitute with lemon zest if you prefer.

These Cannoli Cookies are sure to be a hit, combining the beloved flavors of a classic Italian dessert in an easy-to-make, chewy cookie!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannoli Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your Cannoli Cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine soft unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes. This step introduces air into the dough, creating a tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Mix in Ricotta & Egg
Next, add ricotta cheese, an egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The ricotta adds a rich creaminess that’s essential for those delightful Cannoli Cookies.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients well to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, which helps ensure that your Cannoli Cookies rise perfectly during baking.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Take care to not overmix; this will keep your cookies soft and chewy. The dough should be slightly thick, with no visible flour pockets remaining.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout. These little gems will create bursts of chocolatey goodness in each Cannoli Cookie, bringing that classic flavor profile to life.

Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 8: Cool & Serve
Once baked, remove the Cannoli Cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, revealing their delightful flavors and textures!

How to Store and Freeze Cannoli Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Fridge: If you prefer them chilled or don’t plan to eat them right away, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dough in scoopable portions, wrapped well in plastic, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To rewarm chilled or frozen cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain soft and delightful.

Expert Tips for Cannoli Cookies

Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain the soft, chewy texture of your Cannoli Cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center to ensure a perfect bake.
Storage Solution: For optimal freshness, store your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the dough for longer storage.
Custom Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different spices or extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, for a unique twist on the classic Cannoli Cookies.
Chill the Dough: For extra soft cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps reduce spreading and enhances their texture.

Cannoli Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful Cannoli Cookies!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan margarine and ricotta with tofu cream to make this a delectable dairy-free treat.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these indulgent cookies without worry!
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture and enhances the flavors beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor that contrasts perfectly with the ricotta.
Citrus Kick: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a zesty twist that brightens each bite while still honoring the original dessert’s spirit.
Flavored Infusion: Try different extracts like almond or hazelnut to offer a unique flavor variation that surprises your taste buds.
Sugary Finish: A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top gives your Cannoli Cookies an elegant finish, reminiscent of traditional cannoli.
Heat It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough to create a sweet and spicy contrast.

For an added variety, you might also love my Lemon Pistachio Cookies or the delightful texture of Gluten Free Cookies. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Irresistible Cannoli Cookies?

The enchanting aroma of fresh-baked Cannoli Cookies invites the senses, making it the perfect moment for a delightful meal spread to match.

Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso enhance the cookies’ sweetness, creating a satisfying pairing for a cozy afternoon.
Vanilla Gelato: Creamy gelato adds a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, transforming dessert into a truly Italian experience.
Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookies; consider citrus and berries for vibrant tastes.
Ricotta Cheesecake: For an indulgent dessert table, the creamy texture of ricotta cheesecake echoes the cookies while adding a different level of richness.
Chocolate Affogato: Pour hot espresso over vanilla ice cream for a unique twist, complementing the chocolate chips in the Cannoli Cookies beautifully.
Red Wine: A glass of sweet red wine creates a lovely harmony between the rich dessert and the fruity undertones found in Italian wines.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cookies adds elegance while enhancing their sweet flavors.
Italian Biscotti: Pairing with crunchy biscotti allows a fun textural contrast, offering a fun way to prolong your cookie experience.
Almond Milk: For a lighter option, chilled almond milk complements the flavor notes of the cookies perfectly, with a nutty undertone.

Make Ahead Options

These Cannoli Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and place it on a baking sheet straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed. Alternatively, you can freeze the scooped dough for up to 3 months and bake straight from the freezer—just adjust the baking time to ensure they come out perfectly golden. This make-ahead strategy allows you to enjoy warm, delicious Cannoli Cookies with minimal effort on busy days!

Cannoli Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of ricotta should I use for Cannoli Cookies?
For the best flavor and texture in your Cannoli Cookies, I recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese. This will give your cookies that creamy richness without being too watery. Avoid using low-fat versions, as they can alter the dough’s consistency.

How do I store my Cannoli Cookies?
Absolutely! To keep your Cannoli Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week—just let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their delightful flavors fully.

Can I freeze Cannoli Cookies?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, scoop the dough into portions and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you can bake your Cannoli Cookies straight from the freezer; just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready for fresh cookies. Enjoy the convenience of having homemade cookies ready at any time!

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to scoop, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your hands or the scooping tool to prevent sticking. Remember, a little stickiness is normal, but it should be manageable!

Are these Cannoli Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
These Cannoli Cookies contain dairy and eggs, so they are not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. However, for a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta cheese with a vegan alternative, like coconut cream, and use a flax egg. You can still enjoy the delicious flavors while catering to dietary needs!