Cannoli cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. These treats give you the crispy exterior of a cookie combined with the creamy, rich filling you would expect from traditional cannoli. Perfect for gatherings or a simple treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Every bite is a combination of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy and Creamy in Every Bite
- Easy to Make at Home
- Perfect for Any Occasion
- Customizable with Your Favorite Add-Ins
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips

How to make Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
6. Form Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
9. Assemble the Cookies
Spread or pipe the ricotta filling between two cookies. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cannoli cookies as a dessert after dinner, or enjoy them as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
Storage Tips
- Keep Cookies Cool Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Refrigerate the Filling If you have leftover filling, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Layer with Parchment If stacking cookies, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Mix only until the dough comes together to keep the cookies tender.
- Watch Baking Time Keep an eye on cookies as they bake to avoid burning.
- Chill Dough If Needed If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling.
Variations to Try
- Use Different Fillings Experiment with mascarpone or flavored cream cheese for the filling.
- Add Nuts Incorporate chopped pistachios or walnuts for added crunch.
FAQs
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to a month.
- How long do they last?
- They can stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Can I skip the chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! You can leave them out or try dried fruit instead.
- What if I don’t have ricotta?
- You can substitute cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Closing Notes
Cannoli cookies combine the best features of both cookies and cannoli for a unique dessert experience. Their crispy texture and creamy filling create a heavenly treat that is hard to resist. Perfect for sharing or indulging alone, these cookies will have everyone coming back for more. Try making a batch today and watch them disappear quickly!

Cannoli Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 0.5 cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 0.25 cups powdered sugar
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cups mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Filling
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Assembly
- Spread or pipe the ricotta filling between two cookies. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.










