Name: Heavenly Holy Cannoli Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 22
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 oz (283 g) mini chocolate chips, divided; 1 cup chopped pistachios; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup ricotta cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp fresh orange zest; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda

Indulgent and irresistible, these holy cannoli cookies blend the beloved Italian dessert’s rich flavors into a delightful bite-sized treat.

Creamy ricotta cheese and delicate chocolate chips dance through a tender cookie base that captures the essence of classic cannoli.

Sweet ricotta mingles with powdered sugar, creating a luscious filling that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, pillowy center that echoes the traditional cannoli delicate crunch.

Dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, these cookies offer a playful twist on the classic Sicilian pastry.

Each morsel promises a burst of classic cannoli magic that will transport you straight to the streets of Sicily.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Italian adventure.

Steps to Make Cannoli Cookies Easily

Cookie Base Preparation

Mix softened butter and sugar until creamy and light. Fold in eggs, ricotta, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest. Combine dry ingredients gently, then incorporate chocolate chips and pistachios. Chill dough in refrigerator.

Baking Setup

Warm oven to medium-high heat. Arrange parchment-lined baking sheets. Scoop cookie dough into rounded mounds, spacing them with room to spread.

Baking Process

Bake cookies until edges turn golden and centers look soft. Allow slight cooling on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.

Chocolate Drizzle

Melt remaining chocolate chips using gentle microwave technique. Transfer melted chocolate to small piping bag. Create elegant chocolate lines across cooled cookies.

Serving Suggestion

Let chocolate set completely. Store in airtight container. Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture. These cookies taste like a delightful Italian dessert adventure.

Tips for Filling & Flavor Tweaks

Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed pistachios on top for extra crunch and gourmet appeal.
Replace chocolate chips and pistachios with dried cranberries, white chocolate chunks, or chopped almonds to create your signature cookie variation. Each combination will deliver a delightful new taste experience.
Chill the dough for maximum flavor development and to prevent cookies from spreading too thin during baking. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour or refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies anytime.
Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense, tough cookies.

Fun Serving Ideas for These Cookies

Sweet Sidekick Pairings: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and nutty pistachio flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Coffee Companion Moment: Serve these cannoli-inspired cookies alongside a warm espresso or cappuccino to enhance the Italian-inspired taste profile and bring out the subtle orange and cinnamon notes.
Festive Gathering Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating an elegant presentation perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Gifting Delights: Package these cookies in a cute clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon, making them an excellent homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or holiday cookie exchanges.

Storage Guide for Cannoli Cookies

Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store these Holy Cannoli Cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. They'll stay deliciously soft for 5-7 days at cool refrigerator temperatures.
Freezer Magic: Wrap cookie dough or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Uncooked dough lasts 3 months, while baked cookies maintain quality for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking. Keep chilled in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. This technique allows flavors to develop and makes party prep super convenient.
Temperature Tip: Always let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup that could make them soggy. Room temperature storage works best for immediate consumption within 2-3 days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 11min

Total Time: 26min

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 22

What You’ll Need for Holy Cannoli Cookies

For Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture and enhances overall cookie flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, crispy cookie edges.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structural support to the cookie dough.
Ricotta Cheese: Delivers signature cannoli-like moisture and tangy undertone.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aromatic depth to the cookie.

For Dry Ingredients:

Flour: Creates cookie's fundamental structure and provides necessary texture.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensure proper cookie rise and lightweight consistency.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Cinnamon: Introduces warm, spicy note reminiscent of traditional cannoli.

For Texture and Garnish Ingredients:

Chocolate Chips: Delivers delightful melty pockets and rich chocolate experience.
Pistachios: Provides delicate crunch and nutty Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Orange Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy freshness that complements other ingredients.

Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all cookie ingredients smoothly.
Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and even spacing.
Baking sheets: Crucial for baking cookies with consistent heat distribution.
Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and crisp up.
Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate chips smoothly.
Small resealable bag: Great for drizzling melted chocolate over cookies.
Zester or grater: Helps create fresh orange zest for added flavor.

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.