Cannoli Cookies

Cannoli Cookies are a tasty twist on the traditional cannoli recipe. Cannoli filling is sandwiched between two orange pistachio cookies and drizzled with dark chocolate.

Creating these Cannoli Cookies

Sometimes I have crazy ideas. Crazy food ideas. Taking one thing and turning it into another. That is what happened yesterday.

It was all I could think about until I was able to hit the grocery store this morning for some of the necessary ingredients.

Necessary ingredients because I had to make these cookies. It wasn’t even an option anymore.

You know what my crazy idea was? I was going to turn a classic Italian Cannoli into a cookie. Why? I thought it would be good.

Because I don’t have time or patience (yet) to make Cannoli from scratch. Because Cannoli is good. Cookies are good. And, because my husband wouldn’t stop saying “Katie’s Cannoli Cookies.”

And so I made them. They were good. They were very very good.

Tools Needed to Make Cannoli Cookies

You’ll need several kitchen tools to prepare this cannoli cookie recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – you’ll a need a knife to chop the pistachios and to slice the cookie dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients with.
• Medium Bowl – to combine the dry ingredients in.
• Wire Whisk – to combine the flour mixture with.
• Stand Mixer – to prepare the cookie dough in. Alternatively, use a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer.
• Rubber Spatula – to scrape the sides of the bowl when making the cookie dough.
• Baking Sheets – a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper works best for baking the cookies.
• Wire Rack – to cool the cannoli cookies on after baking.
• Pastry Bag – to pipe the cannoli filling with.
• Parchment Paper – to line the baking pan with and to roll the cookie dough logs in.
• Double Boiler or Saucepan and Heat-Proof Bowl – to temper the chocolate in.
• Spoon, Squeeze Bottle, or Pastry Bag – to drizzle the chocolate with.

What’s in these Cannoli Cookies?

Wondering what the ingredients in this recipe are? Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Hint: you’ll find all the best flavors typical of cannoli

For the Cannoli Cookie

• Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Large Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Orange Zest
• Pistachios

For the Cannoli Cookie Filling

• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
• Mascarpone Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla Extract

For the Chocolate Drizzle

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Dark Chocolate
• Shortening

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make these Italian ricotta cookies, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Cannoli Cookies

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to making this tasty Italian cookie recipe:

1. First, you’ll beat the butter with the sugars. Then, add the egg and vanilla.
2. In another bowl, you will need to combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Then, combine the flour mixture with the butter mixture, using the paddle attachment if using a stand mixer. After that, stir in the pistachios.
4. Divide the dough into 2 logs and roll tightly in wax paper, plastic wrap, or parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then slice thin cookies.
5. Bake on the prepared baking sheets until golden brown.
6. While the cookies bake, combine the filling ingredients.
7. After the cookies cool, pipe the filling on the underside of one cookie, then top with another. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making Cannoli Cookies

Eggs – For this cookie recipe, you’ll want to start with room temperature eggs. Check out these tips for how to bring eggs to room temperature quickly.

Butter – You’ll also need room temperature butter. Check out these tips to soften butter quickly.

Chocolate – You might also find this how to temper chocolate tutorial helpful if you’d like to drizzle melted chocolate on top of your cookies.

Cannoli Cookie Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this Italian cookie? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can You Make these Cannoli Cookies Ahead?

Yes and no.

I wouldn’t make the recipe in its entirety in advance because the filling will make the cookies soggy, but you can prepare parts of the cookies in advance.

Here some different options for saving time when making this recipe:

• Make the cookie dough 1 – 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until the day you plan to prepare the cookies.
• Store the cookie dough in the freezer until you’re ready to bake the cookies.
• Make the filling 1 – 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until assembling the cookies.
• Prepare the cookie dough, bake the cookies, cool completely, and store in an airtight container the day before you plan to serve the cookies.

Can You Freeze Cannoli Cookies?

I have not tested freezing the baked cookies, and I wouldn’t try freezing the fully assembled cookies.

However, you can prepare and freeze the cookie dough until you want to prepare the cookies.

How Do You Store Leftover Cannoli Cookies?

Fully assembled cookies should be eaten the day they are prepared. Leftovers can become soggy due to the filling.

If you want to save the leftover cookies, you’ll need to store them in a container in the refrigerator due to the dairy in the filling.

Try this Cannoli Cookie Recipe!

Next time you’re looking for a unique recipe to add to your holiday cookie trays, give these Cannoli Cookies a try!

Did you think they were the perfect Italian Christmas cookie? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this delicious treat.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of these Italian cookies!

More Cookie Recipes

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Almond Butter Cookies are the tastiest I’ve tried and make a great addition to your regular cookie baking and the perfect alternative if you have a peanut allergy!

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies have a spiced cookie base that’s topped with a pecan half, caramel sauce, and then drizzled with melted chocolate. Perfect for the holiday season!

The New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies have cracked the code for the perfect recipe for chocolate chip cookies. The results are a chewy cookie with crispy edges and a soft, gooey center.

Almond Crescent Cookies are a unique Christmas cookie recipe that your family will love! These Swedish cookies feature buttery crescent cookies studded with chopped almonds.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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