Cannoli Cookies

If you love the flavor of classic cannoli but want something easier to bake and share, these Cannoli Cookies are such a fun twist. The original recipe on Yummy Relish combines ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and orange or lemon zest in a soft cookie dough, then finishes the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar. The result is a tender, lightly sweet cookie with that familiar cannoli-inspired flavor in a much simpler form. 

What makes these cookies so appealing is that they feel a little special without being fussy. You still get the creamy richness that ricotta brings, the pop of chocolate in every bite, and a little citrus brightness that keeps the flavor from feeling too heavy. They are perfect for holiday platters, brunch tables, afternoon coffee breaks, or anytime you want a dessert that feels bakery-worthy but still homemade. 

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the spirit of cannoli without needing pastry shells, frying, or filling piped at the last minute. Everything is baked into one easy cookie, which makes the recipe much more approachable for everyday baking.

I also love that the texture is a little different from a standard cookie. The ricotta gives the dough a softer, more tender feel, while the mini chocolate chips and citrus zest make each bite taste layered and interesting. It is the kind of cookie that feels cozy and nostalgic, but still a little elegant. 

Ingredients

Based on the source recipe, you will need: 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon orange zest or lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Swaps and Notes

The original recipe notes that orange zest or lemon zest both work, so you can choose the one that best fits your taste. Orange gives a warmer, sweeter citrus note, while lemon makes the cookies feel a bit brighter. 

It also mentions that mini chocolate chips can be swapped or omitted, and that mascarpone or cream cheese can stand in for ricotta if needed, though the texture and flavor will change a little. The source also recommends room-temperature butter and careful measuring for the best texture. 

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and release easily from the pan. 

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set that aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. 

3. Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps create a softer cookie texture. 

4. Add the egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should look smooth before you move on. 

5. Add the dry mixture

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix here, or the cookies can become tougher than you want. 

6. Fold in the signature ingredients

Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and citrus zest until everything is evenly distributed. The dough will be rich and soft. 

7. Scoop and bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. 

8. Cool and finish

Let the cookies cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving. That finishing touch really helps deliver the cannoli feel. 

Tips for Success

The most important tip from the source is not to overmix the dough. Once the flour is in, mix only until everything comes together so the cookies stay tender. The recipe also stresses using softened butter and measuring flour accurately for the best results. 

I would also keep the chocolate chips mini rather than regular-sized. Since these cookies are soft and delicate, smaller chips fit the texture better and make each bite feel more balanced. If your dough feels extra sticky, the source suggests adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. 

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cannoli Cookies are lovely with coffee, espresso, tea, or even a dessert spread for guests. The source specifically suggests serving them with espresso, chocolate milk, herbal tea, fruit, or gelato. 

For more sweet ideas, pair them with These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime, These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats, or These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies Are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy.

If you want a fuller dessert table, they also fit beautifully alongside This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack and The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

According to the recipe card, each cookie is approximately: 

• 120 calories
• 6g sugar
• 5g fat
• 16g carbohydrates
• 2g protein
• 100mg sodium

Storage and Leftover Tips

The source says these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. It also notes that the dough itself can be frozen in portions and baked from frozen with a slightly longer bake time. 

For the best texture, I would dust with powdered sugar just before serving if possible, especially if you are making them ahead for guests.

More Recipes You Will Love

If these bakery-style cookies are your kind of treat, These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime and These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies Are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy are both great next bakes.

For richer dessert options, This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack and The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot make excellent additions to any dessert rotation.

Final Thoughts

Cannoli Cookies are a smart, cozy way to bring cannoli flavor into an easy cookie format. With ricotta, mini chocolate chips, citrus zest, and powdered sugar, the original recipe delivers a soft Italian-inspired treat that feels special without being complicated. It makes 24 cookies and takes about 30 minutes total, which is another reason it is so easy to love.