Name: Cannoli Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 26 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour (260 grams); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup butter, room temperature (one stick); 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained); 1 large egg; ½ cup dark chocolate chunks, chopped slightly (mini chocolate chips work too); ½ cup shelled pistachios, lightly chopped; 2 tablespoons dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you adore the rich, creamy, and slightly nutty taste of traditional Italian desserts, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cannoli Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture everything wonderful about classic cannoli filling but in a crisp, tender cookie form that’s loaded with chocolate chunks and pistachios. Each bite is a delightful blend of fluffy ricotta, bright orange zest, and warm spices, making them a perfect treat for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon at home. Get ready to bake a batch of these beauties and watch them quickly disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains a thick, beige dough mixture with a rough texture. On top of the dough, there are two distinct piles: one side is filled with chopped dark brown chocolate chunks, and the other side is filled with crushed green pistachio nuts. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these irresistible Cannoli Cookies, you only need a handful of simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the cookie’s perfect texture, flavor balance, and beautiful crunch.

All purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives these cookies their tender but firm structure.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, fluffy bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s classic to Italian desserts.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A subtle hint that complements the ricotta’s creaminess.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping create a slight crunch on the edges.
Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Provides richness and tenderness.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Brings brightness and a fresh citrus kick.
Whole milk ricotta cheese (1 cup, drained): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their dreamy soft interior.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together perfectly.
Dark chocolate chunks (½ cup): Adds gooey chocolate surprises inside each cookie.
Shelled pistachios (½ cup, chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Dark chocolate (2 tablespoons, melted): For a finishing drizzle that makes these cookies look and taste extraordinary.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This ensures all the baking essentials and spices are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake evenly with just the right hint of warmth in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Orange Zest

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the sugar, butter, and orange zest until it becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. The orange zest infuses the dough with a subtle zing that complements the sweetness and spices beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Ricotta and Egg

Next, mix in your creamy ricotta cheese and the egg until fully combined. The ricotta keeps the cookies soft and tender with a lovely richness that sets these cookies apart from your typical chocolate chip cookie.

Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle. Afterward, fold in the chopped dark chocolate and pistachios, which are going to create those delightful texture contrasts once baked.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling solidifies the fat and lets the flavors meld together, which helps your cookies hold their shape and develop deeper flavor notes.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Space them about two inches apart on the sheet to give them room to spread. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to brown slightly; keep an eye out because the tops won’t change much in color.

Step 7: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops for that picture-perfect finish. If you prefer, a dusting of powdered sugar can also make a lovely, delicate accent.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookies Recipe

A close-up image shows several round cookies with a light beige color and dark specks inside, suggesting bits of chocolate or nuts. Each cookie is topped with thin dark chocolate drizzle in wavy lines. One cookie lies on a red and white checkered cloth on a wooden surface, while the rest are on a white plate beside it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Drizzling with melted dark chocolate is an elegant and delicious choice that adds sweet richness and a beautiful visual appeal. You could also sprinkle chopped pistachios or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a more traditional look and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, espresso, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. For a festive gathering, serving alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato turns this simple cookie into an irresistible dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Cannoli Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter with alternating layers of pistachios and orange slices. For a party, arrange them around small bowls of melted chocolate for dipping. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment with a colorful ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their chewy interior and crisp edges. Avoid refrigerating as it can cause the cookies to dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just shape the dough balls and place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring into a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake cookies directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their softness and let the chocolate drizzle soften perfectly.

FAQs

Can I substitute ricotta cheese in this Cannoli Cookies Recipe?

Ricotta is key for the texture and flavor, but if you must substitute, try mascarpone or a well-drained cream cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, not quite as light or fresh.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Yes! Chilling solidifies the butter and melds the flavors, helping the cookies maintain shape and develop that signature tender texture.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives and will add their own delicious crunch and nutty flavor to these cookies.

What is the best chocolate to use for chunks?

Good quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content works wonderfully, as it provides a nice bittersweet contrast to the sweet ricotta dough.

How do I store finished cookies for gifting?

Place cookies in a decorative tin or airtight container layered with parchment. Keep at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh for several days, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Final Thoughts

This Cannoli Cookies Recipe is a true labor of love that rewards you with a deliciously unique cookie experience. With its perfect balance of creamy ricotta, zesty orange, warm spices, chocolate, and nuts, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. I can’t recommend enough that you try making these cookies – they’re made for sharing, savoring, and celebrating any little moment in your kitchen. Happy baking!