Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Dessert

Imagine everything you love about a traditional Italian cannoli the creamy ricotta filling, the chocolate chips, the sweet vanilla aroma transformed into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. That’s exactly what these Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies deliver. Buttery, light, and delicately flavored with a hint of citrus, they’re drizzled with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar to create a bakery-perfect treat.

These cookies bring the spirit of an Italian bakery straight to your kitchen. They’re festive enough for holidays, elegant enough for special occasions, and simple enough to enjoy with your morning espresso. Each bite tastes like Italy comforting, sweet, and utterly irresistible.

What Is Italian Cannoli Cookies

Italian Cannoli Cookies are a soft, cake-like cookie inspired by the traditional Sicilian cannoli. Instead of deep-frying pastry shells, these cookies take the creamy ricotta-based flavors and turn them into a handheld delight. They’re made with ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, almond extract, and orange zest all the classic cannoli components then topped with a light chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar.

It’s the best of both worlds: the flavor of cannoli with the convenience and charm of a cookie.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These cookies are the ultimate combination of ease and elegance. You’ll fall in love with this recipe because:

• It captures authentic Italian flavor with simple ingredients.
• The dough comes together quickly — no chilling required.
• They’re soft, slightly chewy, and full of rich cannoli flavor.
• They look beautiful on cookie trays and gift boxes.
• They stay moist for days, making them perfect for holidays.

They’re everything you want in a cookie — beautiful, flavorful, and easy to love.

How Does It Taste

The flavor is pure bliss. The cookies are buttery and rich with a tender crumb, balanced by a hint of almond and orange zest. Each bite has bursts of chocolate from the mini chips and a touch of creamy sweetness from the ricotta. The drizzle of chocolate on top adds depth, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives that perfect cannoli finish.

They taste like the essence of Italy — sweet, nutty, and nostalgic.

Health and Ingredient Benefits

While indulgent, these cookies also feature a few naturally wholesome elements:

• Ricotta cheese adds moisture and protein without heavy fat.
• Almond extract gives intense flavor with minimal use.
• Orange zest brightens and adds antioxidants.
• Dark chocolate offers antioxidants and richness.

You can also make them lighter by using part-skim ricotta or reducing sugar slightly — the flavor will still shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For topping:

• 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Optional Substitutions and Additions

• Use lemon zest instead of orange for a brighter flavor.
• Add chopped pistachios for crunch and authentic flair.
• Substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste.
• Use white chocolate drizzle for a different look.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add ricotta and flavorings: Mix in ricotta, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add chocolate chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.
6. Scoop and bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
7. Cool and decorate: Let cool completely. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top and dust with powdered sugar.

What to Serve With

These cookies pair perfectly with:

• Espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate
• A glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo
• Fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant touch
• A platter of Italian favorites like biscotti or amaretti

Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays

Cannoli Cookies are festive, fun, and deeply traditional — they fit right into holiday celebrations. They’re beautiful on cookie trays, easy to transport, and stay fresh for days. Their warm almond and citrus flavors make them ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any family gathering.

Tips for Success

• Drain ricotta if it’s watery — this keeps cookies from spreading too much.
• Don’t overmix the dough once flour is added.
• Use a small cookie scoop for even baking.
• Let cookies cool before adding chocolate drizzle.
• Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using wet ricotta — always pat it dry with paper towels.
• Overbaking — they should be soft and slightly pale.
• Skipping the zest — it’s essential for authentic flavor.
• Adding too much flour — it can make the cookies dense.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh, microwave for 5–10 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, but drain it well to remove excess liquid.

Can I make these without almond extract?
Yes, substitute extra vanilla or a touch of amaretto liqueur.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — they bake beautifully.

Do they need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately, but for longer storage, refrigeration helps maintain texture.

Nutritional Info (approximate per cookie)

Calories: 140
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 60mg

Conclusion

These Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies bring all the elegance and comfort of the classic dessert in one bite-sized treat. With creamy ricotta, hints of almond and citrus, melty chocolate chips, and that signature drizzle, they’re irresistible from the first bite to the last crumb.

Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or cozy coffee breaks, these cookies are proof that a touch of Italian tradition can make any day feel special. Once you try them, they’ll become a family favorite for years to come.

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October 8, 2025 by Melissa