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Cannoli Cookies – Soft, Sweet & Inspired by Classic Italian Cannoli

These Cannoli Cookies capture all the charm of a traditional Italian cannoli but in the form of a soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Each bite is filled with creamy ricotta notes, light citrus brightness from lemon zest, crunch from chopped pistachios, and tiny bursts of chocolate from mini chocolate chips. They are the perfect balance of creamy, soft, nutty, and sweet. These cookies bake up fluffy and tender, with a bakery-style aroma that fills your kitchen and instantly makes them a favorite for holiday cookie trays, afternoon treats, or special family gatherings. If you love the flavors of classic cannoli — creaminess, pistachios, chocolate, and vanilla — these cookies deliver all of that joy in a simple, easy-to-make, one-bowl treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling Time 32 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
Fresh Products
  • 1 Large egg
Dry & Flavoring Ingredients
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar for top finishing or light glaze
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
Nuts & Seeds
  • 1/2 cup Pistachios chopped
Dairy
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese well-drained (important for texture!)

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Zester or microplane

Method
 

step1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
step2:
  1. Place the ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer and press gently to remove excess liquid. This step ensures your cookies stay soft but not soggy.
step3:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
step4:
  1. Add the egg and continue mixing until everything becomes fluffy and well combined.
step5:
  1. Add the all-purpose flour and stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but spoonable.
step6:
  1. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios gently with a spatula.
step7:
  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for light spreading.
step8:
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and tops are set.
step9:
  1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
step10:
  1. Dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled, or dip tops lightly in powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days (ricotta requires refrigeration).
Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months.
To serve again, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for best texture.
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Cannoli Cookies: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough.
Orange Cannoli Cookies: Replace lemon zest with orange zest.
Almond Cannoli Cookies: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for nutty depth.
Extra Creamy Version: Add 1–2 tbsp mascarpone cheese to the ricotta.
Pistachio-Lover: Roll the dough balls in chopped pistachios before baking.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Should the ricotta be drained?
Yes — draining prevents spreading and keeps cookies soft and fluffy.
2. Can I use full-fat ricotta?
Yes! It gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
3. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of mini chips?
Yes, but mini chips distribute the flavor better.
4. Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, replace with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. Can I add cinnamon?
A pinch (1/4 tsp) adds warmth and depth.
6. Should I chill the dough?
Not required, but 20 minutes of chilling creates a rounder, thicker cookie.
7. Can I replace pistachios?
Yes — try almonds, walnuts, or skip nuts entirely.
8. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze scooped dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen +2 minutes.
9. Why dust with powdered sugar?
It mimics the classic cannoli shell topping and adds sweetness.
10. Can I add filling inside?
Yes — add a tiny dollop of ricotta cream between two cookies as sandwich cookies.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cannoli Cookies deliver all the delicious charm of Italian cannoli in a soft, buttery cookie form. With creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest, crunchy pistachios, and sweet mini chocolate chips, they’re the perfect fusion of texture and flavor.
Whether enjoyed during holidays, shared at gatherings, or served with coffee, these cookies never fail to impress — elegant, flavorful, and effortlessly delightful.