I’ve always believed the best desserts are the ones that bring joy without the fuss, and these Italian Cannoli Cookies absolutely deliver on that promise.
Imagine all those classic cannoli flavors—creamy ricotta, chocolate chips, and warming cinnamon—transformed into a soft, pillowy cookie you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
No piping bags or deep fryers needed, just simple ingredients coming together for something truly special. Ready to discover how these little treats can transform your coffee break or impress at your next gathering?
Why You’ll Love these Italian Cannoli Cookies
When you’re craving the classic flavor of cannoli but don’t want to deal with frying shells and filling them, these Italian Cannoli Cookies are about to become your new best friend.
They capture everything you love about the traditional dessert—rich ricotta, chocolate chips, cinnamon—in a simple, no-fuss cookie format.
I’m telling you, the texture is absolutely dreamy. Soft and tender with little chocolate surprises in each bite.
Can you imagine that light dusting of powdered sugar on top? Divine. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Who’s time for complicated pastry work anyway?
What Ingredients are in Italian Cannoli Cookies?
These Italian Cannoli Cookies require just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create that classic cannoli flavor we all know and love.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the best results, make sure your ricotta cheese is well-drained and your butter properly softened to room temperature, as these little details can make a big difference in achieving that perfect cannoli cookie texture.
How to Make these Italian Cannoli Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, and creates the perfect base for our cookies.
Step 3: Add Ricotta and Vanilla
Add 1 cup ricotta cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
Mix everything until well combined—the mixture might look a bit grainy, but that’s completely normal.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until just combined.
The dough will be somewhat soft and slightly sticky, which gives these cookies their characteristic tender texture.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough until they’re evenly distributed.
Mini chips work best here because they distribute more evenly throughout each cookie.
Step 6: Form and Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that authentic cannoli flavor and beautiful finishing touch.
Step 8: Store Properly
Store your cannoli cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
For the best results when making these cookies, consider using a premium stand mixer to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated with minimal effort.
What to Serve with Italian Cannoli Cookies
These delightful cannoli cookies make the perfect afternoon treat, but why stop there?
Pair them with a creamy cappuccino or hot espresso to really embrace those Italian vibes. For a revitalizing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of lemon sorbet.
If you’re hosting a dessert party, arrange these cookies on a platter with some biscotti and amaretti for an impressive Italian cookie spread.
For the ultimate indulgence, try serving them with a small glass of Vin Santo or amaretto liqueur—trust me, your guests will think they’ve been transported straight to Sicily.
These versatile cookies work beautifully as a mid-morning snack or elegant after-dinner sweet.
Italian Cannoli Cookies Substitutions and Variations
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips.
- Seasonal Twist: Add pumpkin spice in fall or crushed candy canes during holidays.
- Extra Indulgence: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for a fancier presentation.
- Kid-Friendly: Roll dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
Leftovers and Storage for these Italian Cannoli Cookies
These delightful cannoli cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Want to freeze them? Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Pro tip: These cookies actually develop deeper flavor after a day, as the cinnamon and vanilla notes intensify.
If they begin to harden slightly, place a slice of bread in the container—it works like magic to restore moisture.
Just remember to dust with fresh powdered sugar right before serving for that authentic cannoli experience.
Final Thoughts
These cannoli cookies capture all the beloved flavors of the classic Italian pastry in a simpler, more approachable form.
The combination of ricotta, cinnamon, and chocolate chips creates that distinctive cannoli taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Sunday family gatherings, or anytime you want to bring a touch of Italian bakery charm to your table without the fuss of filling pastry tubes.
The dusting of powdered sugar adds that final authentic touch, transforming ordinary cookies into little morsels that connect us to generations of Italian baking tradition.
