I have always been captivated by the charm of Italian desserts, and Cannoli has a special place in my heart. Baking these delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies is one of my favorite ways to bring a taste of Italy into my kitchen. The moment you take a bite, the crisp, golden shell gives way to a sweet, creamy filling that is both rich and light at the same time. I love how making these cookies feels like crafting little pieces of edible art, each one unique yet perfect in its own way.

What I enjoy most about this recipe is that it is surprisingly easy to prepare, even though it looks like something that belongs in a fancy bakery. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress family and friends at any occasion. The flavor combination of the slightly sweet pastry shell and the creamy ricotta filling is truly irresistible. These cookies have a delicate balance of textures and taste that makes them an absolute delight.

You will love this recipe because it is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy these Cannoli Cookies as an after-dinner treat, a special dessert for gatherings, or even as a homemade gift for someone you care about. They can be flavored with a touch of citrus zest, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or mini chocolate chips for a personal twist, making them suitable for a variety of taste preferences.

Another advantage of this recipe is that it is affordable. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in most supermarkets, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a gourmet treat. A few pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and ricotta are all it takes to make this classic Italian delight.

Ingredients for Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that is crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and simply unforgettable. Preparing them is a joy, and sharing them brings even more happiness.

How to Prepare Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies

Making Italian Cannoli Cookies is a delightful process, and once you get started, you’ll find it both rewarding and fun. The key is to take your time with each step and enjoy the process, knowing that the end result will be a stunning, flavorful dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix them thoroughly to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, add the softened butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, whisk the egg and milk together in a separate bowl and pour this into the flour-butter mixture. Add the vanilla extract. Mix gently until the dough comes together. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll out and ensures that the cookies hold their shape during frying.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles approximately 4 inches in diameter. These will form the shells of your Cannoli Cookies.

4. Shape the Shells
Carefully wrap each dough circle around a cannoli form or a clean metal tube, pressing the edges to seal them. Ensure the seam is tightly closed so that the filling does not leak during cooking. Repeat this process until all dough circles are shaped.

5. Fry the Shells
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the dough-wrapped forms into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown. This should take about 2–3 minutes per side. Use tongs to turn them gently and ensure even cooking. Remove the shells from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool completely before removing them from the forms.

6. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can also fold in lemon zest, mini chocolate chips, or finely chopped pistachios for added flavor and texture.

7. Fill the Shells
Once the shells are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. Fill generously, but avoid overstuffing, to prevent the filling from spilling out.

8. Garnish
Optional garnishes like chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can be added for a beautiful finish. This step makes your cookies visually appealing while adding a touch of extra flavor.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use a piping bag to fill the shells neatly and quickly.
Prepare the filling while the shells are cooling to save time.
Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, making it easy to plan ahead.

Customizable Variations
Cannoli Cookies are highly customizable. You can experiment with citrus zest, mini chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon in the dough for unique flavors. These variations make it fun to tailor the cookies to your preferences or to match seasonal celebrations.

Popular with Many People
These cookies are universally loved because they combine a crunchy exterior with a creamy, flavorful filling. They make perfect treats for gatherings, tea time, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The balance of textures and flavors makes them appealing to both children and adults, ensuring they are a hit every time.

By following these steps carefully, you will have a batch of Italian Cannoli Cookies that are as impressive as they are delicious. The process is straightforward, yet the result is elegant and satisfying.

The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Delicious Italian Cannoli Cookies bring a taste of Italy to your home kitchen. With a crisp, golden shell and a creamy ricotta filling, they are perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and affordable, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 40
Cook Time: 8
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: 15 1x

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
Add softened butter and cut it into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk, then add vanilla extract.
Pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until dough forms. Add extra flour if sticky.
Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles.
Wrap circles around cannoli forms, sealing edges.
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shells 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels and cool completely before removing forms.
Mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in lemon zest or chocolate chips if desired.
Fill cooled shells with ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
Garnish with chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or powdered sugar.

Notes

Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Use a piping bag for neat filling.

Customize with flavor additions like citrus zest or cinnamon.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it is tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Chilling the dough also makes it easier to roll and shape.

2. Can I bake the Cannoli Cookies instead of frying them?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shaped shells for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and a little powdered sugar. This will give a slightly different flavor but still maintain a creamy texture.

4. How long can I store filled Cannoli Cookies?
Filled cookies are best enjoyed the same day to maintain their crispiness. Unfilled shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, so handle the dough gently.

6. How do I prevent the shells from breaking?
Ensure the dough is rolled evenly and not too thin. Fry or bake carefully, and let the shells cool completely before removing them from the forms.