The Best Cannoli Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking
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.
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 15 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.