The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Cannoli cookies bring the cozy flavor of a classic Italian dessert into a soft baked cookie. They have a gentle sweetness with a creamy center and little bits of chocolate in every bite. These cookies feel special but are easy enough to make at home without stress.
I love baking cannoli cookies during the holidays. They look pretty on a cookie tray and taste even better the next day. The ricotta keeps them soft, so they stay tender for days. That makes them great for sharing with family or packing into gift boxes.
If you enjoy holiday cookies with rich flavor, you may also like my Cherry Almond Cookies, which have a warm nutty taste, or my Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, which bring a cozy chocolate spice to the table.
What Makes Cannoli Cookies Special
Cannoli cookies are inspired by the filling of a classic cannoli. Instead of a crunchy shell, the flavor is baked into a soft cookie. Ricotta cheese is the secret here. It adds moisture without making the cookies heavy.
These cookies are not too sweet. The sugar is balanced by vanilla and a light hint of citrus. Chocolate chips add little pockets of richness without taking over the cookie.
Another reason these cookies stand out is texture. They stay soft even after a few days. That makes them a great choice for holiday baking when cookies may sit out or be stored before serving.
Ingredients You Will Need
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ricotta cheese
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Orange zest
- Mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for topping
Each ingredient plays an important role. Ricotta keeps the cookies soft. Orange zest adds gentle flavor. Chocolate chips bring sweetness in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the baking sheets
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Set the pans aside while you make the dough.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the ricotta cheese and mix again until blended.
Crack in the eggs one at a time and mix well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. The mixture should look soft and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps spread the baking powder evenly.
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the cookies may turn dense.
Step 4: Form the cookie dough
Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Stir just enough so they spread through the dough. The dough will feel soft and slightly sticky. That is normal.
If the dough feels too loose, let it rest for ten minutes before shaping.
Step 5: Shape the cookies
Use a spoon or small scoop to place dough onto the baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie since they will spread slightly.
You can gently smooth the tops with your fingers if needed.
Step 6: Bake until set
Bake the cookies for about twelve to fourteen minutes. The edges should look set while the centers stay pale.
Do not wait for browning. These cookies are meant to stay light in color.
Step 7: Cool completely
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for five minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Once cool, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
- Do not overbake or the cookies will dry out.
- Let the dough rest if it feels too soft.
- Use mini chocolate chips for even bites.
- Dust with sugar just before serving for a fresh look.
These tips help keep the cookies soft and flavorful.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Add chopped pistachios for crunch.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips.
- Skip chocolate and add dried fruit.
- Add a little cinnamon for warmth.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
Each change keeps the cookie familiar but adds a new twist.
Serving Ideas
- Serve cannoli cookies on holiday platters.
- Pair them with coffee or hot cocoa.
- Add them to cookie gift boxes.
- Serve after dinner as a light dessert.
- Dust with sugar right before guests arrive.
They fit into any holiday spread with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat ricotta?
You can, but the cookies may be less soft. Full fat ricotta gives the best texture.
Do these taste like real cannoli?
They taste like the filling of a cannoli baked into a cookie. The flavor is gentle and creamy.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. You can chill the dough for up to one day before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter is too warm. Let the dough rest before baking.
Are these good for holiday baking?
Yes. They stay soft and hold up well for sharing and gifting.
A Sweet Ending Worth Sharing
Cannoli cookies are a wonderful way to bring a classic dessert into your holiday baking. They are soft, comforting, and full of gentle flavor. Each bite feels familiar yet special.
Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them at home, these cookies always feel like a treat made with care. They are simple enough for any baker and special enough for the holidays.
