Name: Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 whole large egg; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons orange zest; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/3 cup pistachios (roughly chopped); 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the irresistible creaminess of cannoli filling with the crisp charm of a cookie, this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into tender, buttery cookies infused with ricotta cheese, hints of orange zest and warm spices, studded with crunchy pistachios and mini chocolate chips—each bite feels like a little celebration. These cookies capture the spirit of the classic Italian dessert in a fun, handheld form, making them perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring with a cozy cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try this Cannoli Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with thick, light beige dough. On one side of the dough is a pile of small dark brown chocolate chips, and on the other side is a heap of chopped green pistachios with golden yellow pieces mixed in. The textures are smooth for the dough, slightly rough for the pistachios, and small and round for the chocolate chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s amazing about this Cannoli Cookies Recipe is how just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to create something so special. Each item plays a unique role—from the rich ricotta that keeps these cookies soft and moist, to the aromatic orange zest and spices that bring out those signature Italian flavors, and of course, the delightful crunch of pistachios and sweetness of chocolate chips. Let’s take a look at the essentials:

Salted butter, 1/2 cup (softened): Provides the creamy base and richness that carries all the flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds just the right sweet balance without overpowering.
Whole large egg, 1: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
Ricotta cheese (whole milk), 1/2 cup: The star ingredient that makes these cookies wonderfully tender and moist.
Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Deepens the flavor with sweet, floral notes.
Ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds warmth and a subtle spicy hint.
Ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon: A subtle earthy spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
Orange zest, 1-2 teaspoons: Brightens the cookies with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: Builds the structure and gives these cookies their tender crumb.
Baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon: Provides gentle lift for a light texture.
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Ensures perfect rise and fluffiness.
Pistachios, 1/3 cup (roughly chopped): Adds delightful crunch and vibrant color.
Mini chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Offers melty bursts of sweetness throughout each cookie.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by softening your butter to a creamy state, then mix it with granulated sugar until the texture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, ensuring your cookies stay tender and soft rather than dense.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and ricotta cheese along with the orange zest, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. The ricotta adds that signature creamy texture you expect in this Cannoli Cookies Recipe, while the spices and zest give each bite a warm, aromatic boost. Mix thoroughly, scraping the bowl sides so all flavors melt together perfectly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour together with baking soda and baking powder. This gives your cookies structure and a lovely rise. Then, fold this mixture gently into your wet ingredients—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 4: Add the Crunch and Chocolate

Now, toss in the chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips. Their contrasting textures and flavors create delightful surprises with every bite, capturing the essence of the classic cannoli filling in a cookie form.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This cooling step firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and lending the cookies a better structure when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a mini ice cream scoop, portion out the dough balls evenly. Bake for about 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will stay soft, making these cookies irresistibly chewy and moist.

Step 7: Finish and Enjoy

Let cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. For a beautiful finishing touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops or dust them lightly with powdered sugar. These little extras elevate the cookies and make them perfect to impress!

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe

The image shows five small mounds of light golden dough with chocolate chips mixed inside, placed evenly on a sheet of parchment paper. Each dough mound is slightly rounded and textured, with spots of melted chocolate visible. The background is a white marbled surface that softly contrasts with the light color of the dough and parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a classic, elegant finish, while a drizzle of warm melted chocolate enhances the rich chocolate notes locked inside the cookies. For a nutty flair, garnish with a few extra chopped pistachios on top right after baking.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian vibe. They also work wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cannoli Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter arranged beside fresh berries or alongside a colorful assortment of Italian biscotti to create a charming cookie platter. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine makes them an adorable homemade gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their softness and flavor for up to three days. Avoid stacking them too tightly to prevent breaking or smushing.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Cannoli Cookies Recipe for up to two months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm your cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their softness and release the wonderful aromas once again.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

While whole milk ricotta offers the best texture and richness, you can substitute low-fat ricotta if necessary. Just be aware that the cookies might turn out slightly less moist and tender.

Are pistachios necessary or can I omit them?

Pistachios add an essential nutty crunch and visual appeal, but if you have allergies or preferences, feel free to omit them or swap with another nut like finely chopped almonds or walnuts.

How do I ensure my Cannoli Cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

Chilling the dough before baking firms it up, which helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading. Also, using room temperature butter rather than melted butter is key to controlling spread.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as it rests.

Is it necessary to add both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, combining both gives the cookies a perfect rise and tender crumb. The baking soda reacts with acidic ricotta to create lift, while the baking powder adds additional leavening.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Cannoli Cookies Recipe—it perfectly balances rich, creamy, and crunchy textures with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel both comforting and special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these cookies bring a little bit of Italian charm right into your home. So, grab your ingredients and dive in—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!