These cannoli cookies give you everything you love about classic cannoli: the crunchy exterior, the sweet ricotta filling, the chocolate chips, and the powdered-sugar finish—without needing a deep fryer. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, gifting, or an after-dinner treat.
Quick Description
A soft, cookie-style twist on traditional Italian cannoli. Each cookie has a lightly crisp outer shell, a creamy ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Easier than classic cannoli, but with the same flavor and charm.
Servings & Timing
Makes: 20–24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling + Filling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Shells
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cannoli Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if very wet)
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (optional but makes it richer)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling
- Optional: chopped pistachios
Instructions
1. Prepare the cookie dough
In a bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
Add ricotta, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
2. Combine dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry mixture into wet and mix until just combined.
3. Add chocolate chips
Fold in mini chocolate chips.
4. Shape & bake
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool cookies completely
Allow cookies to cool before filling.
6. Make the filling
Mix ricotta, mascarpone (optional), powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
Chill 10 minutes so it thickens.
7. Assemble
Slice each cookie open like a mini sandwich or pipe filling on top (your format choice).
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate and dust with powdered sugar.
8. Serve
Enjoy immediately or chill for a firmer, bakery-style cannoli texture.
