The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from holiday bakers and Italian dessert lovers)
Soft and Tender | Rich Ricotta Flavor | Family-Approved
These Cannoli Cookies bring all the flavors of the classic Italian dessert into a soft, bakery-style cookie. Made with ricotta cheese, vanilla, and citrus zest, then finished with a sweet glaze and chocolate chips, they’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, and festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
Makes: 24 cookies
Budget-Friendly
Texture: Soft and cake-like
Perfect For: Holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and Christmas dessert platters
Cannoli Cookies Ingredients – Italian-Inspired and Festive
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange or lemon zest
Glaze and Topping
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pistachios, optional
How to Make The Best Cannoli Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in ricotta cheese until smooth, then add egg, vanilla, and citrus zest.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help control spreading.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 5: Glaze and Decorate
Allow cookies to cool completely. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then spoon glaze over cookies and immediately sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and pistachios if using.
Flavor Variations and Baking Tips
- Use lemon zest for a brighter flavor
- Add cinnamon for warmth
- Drain ricotta well to avoid excess moisture
- Let glaze set fully before stacking cookies
What Everyone’s Saying About These Cookies
“These taste just like a cannoli in cookie form.” – Sofia M.
“Soft, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.” – Anthony G.
“They stayed tender for days and looked beautiful on our cookie tray.” – Claire R.
🎄 The Best Cannoli Cookies – Classic Italian Flavor in a Soft Holiday Cookie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon portions and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
- Cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
FAQ – Cannoli Cookies
If you love classic Italian flavors, be sure to try Cristal Recipes’ Easy Italian Christmas Cookies — another holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with these cannoli cookies.
