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Delicious homemade cannoli cookies on a plate with chocolate chips and ricotta filling

The Ultimate Cannoli Cookies

These delightful cookies capture all the classic flavors of a traditional cannoli in a convenient, bite-sized form. Featuring a tender cookie base, a creamy ricotta filling, and a hint of citrus and chocolate, they're perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Ricotta cheese
Cannoli Filling
  • 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese well-drained
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Orange zest
  • 1/4 cup Mini chocolate chips
Garnish (Optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Mini chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bag with star tip

Method
 

Prepare the Cookie Dough
  1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and ricotta cheese until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, then chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cannoli Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, combine well-drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Assemble and Garnish
  1. Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spoon a dollop of cannoli filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich cookies.
  2. Dust with extra powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or additional mini chocolate chips, if desired, before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure your ricotta cheese is well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Chilling the cookie dough also helps maintain its shape during baking.