Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking

Name: Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight your friends and family this holiday season with these incredible Cannoli Cookies! Combining the classic flavors of traditional cannoli into a soft, chewy cookie, these treats are filled with creamy ricotta, a hint of vanilla, and finished with chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-02T15:28:47.419Z

These Cannoli Cookies have become a holiday staple in our home. The unique flavors remind us of family gatherings and festive celebrations!

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Cannoli Cookies are an ideal addition to your holiday baking lineup. Their unique flavor profile, inspired by traditional cannoli, gives you all the delightful taste you crave in a different form. Soft, chewy, and loaded with creamy ricotta and chocolate, these cookies offer a comforting yet festive treat. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great centerpiece on holiday dessert tables.

Another great aspect of these cookies is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your family's tastes by adding different mix-ins such as nuts or alternative chocolate varieties. This adaptability means you can make a batch that’s perfect for everyone, ensuring that everyone at your gathering leaves happy and satisfied.

Baking Tips for Success

For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to cookies that rise beautifully. If your butter is too hard, you may end up with dense cookies that lack the light and chewy quality we aim for.

When measuring flour, avoid packing it into the cup. Instead, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you have the right amount without excess flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Remember, precision in baking can make all the difference in the outcome of your culinary creations!

Storing Your Cannoli Cookies

After baking, you might be wondering how to store these delicious treats. To keep them fresh, allow the cookies to fully cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can generally last for up to a week at room temperature, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for holiday gatherings.

If you want to make these cookies further in advance, consider freezing them. You can freeze the unbaked dough in tablespoon-sized balls. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can share warm, freshly baked cookies with family and friends whenever the mood strikes!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Ricotta and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Cannoli Cookies!

Holiday Gifting Ideas

These Cannoli Cookies make fantastic gifts for friends and family during the holiday season. You can package them neatly in a festive tin, adding a touch of powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. Including a handwritten note with your recipe is a wonderful personal touch that adds warmth and thoughtfulness to your gift.

Consider pairing the cookies with a small bottle of homemade dessert wine or coffee for a delightful treat bundle. This customization not only showcases your baking skills but also provides a delicious experience that recipients will remember.

Pairing Suggestions

To truly elevate your Cannoli Cookies, consider pairing them with a delicious beverage. A rich espresso or cappuccino will complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing the creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips. Alternatively, try serving them alongside a dessert wine like Vin Santo, which pairs well with the dessert-like qualities of the cookies.

For those who prefer non-caffeinated options, a glass of cold milk or a warm spiced apple cider can provide a comforting contrast, making for a delightful snack during holiday festivities. Whatever you choose, these cookies will surely shine as the star of the dessert table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

→ What type of ricotta should I use?

Use whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture.