Description
The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe delivers the classic Italian cannoli flavor in an easy-to-make cookie form. Crispy, golden shells encase a luscious, creamy ricotta filling enhanced with mini chocolate chips and orange zest. Perfectly balanced between crunch and sweetness, these cookies are ideal for any occasion and customizable with various fillings and coatings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Shells
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1–2 tablespoons water or 1 egg (to bring dough together)
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese, well drained
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Chopped pistachios or almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Melted dark or white chocolate (for dipping)
- Candied cherries or dried cranberries (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water or egg, just enough to bring the dough together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
- Roll and Shape the Shells: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough thinly. Cut into 3-4 inch circles. Carefully wrap each circle around a cannoli form or small metal tube, sealing edges with a dab of egg or water to hold shape.
- Bake Until Crisp: Place the dough-wrapped forms on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until shells are golden brown and crisp. Cool completely then gently slide shells off molds.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat ricotta cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Fill the Shells: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cooled shell generously with the ricotta mixture. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill Dough Thoroughly: For easier handling and crisp shells.
- Use Fresh Ricotta: Well-drained ricotta ensures creamy texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Prevent cracks or soggy shells.
- Cool Shells Fully: Keeps crunch and prevents filling from melting.
- Experiment with Citrus: Adding lemon or orange zest brightens the filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: cannoli cookies, Italian dessert, ricotta filling, crispy cookie, homemade cannoli, Italian cookies, creamy filling