Chocolate chip cookie cup filled with whipped cream, topped with chocolate drizzle and mini chocolate chips on a rustic wooden surface

Cannoli Cookie Cups

by

Picture this: A warm kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies mingling with delicate notes of orange and vanilla. These Cannoli Cookie Cups aren’t just another dessert – they’re a love letter to the traditional Italian cannoli, reimagined in a way that brings together the best of both worlds. Each bite takes you on a journey where crispy sugar cookie cups cradle a cloud-like ricotta filling, studded with tiny chocolate chips that melt on your tongue. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary adventure, these little cups of joy are about to become your new favorite way to make everyone smile.

These Cannoli Cookie Cups transform the classic Italian pastry into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert. They combine buttery sugar cookie cups with creamy ricotta filling, delivering all the beloved cannoli flavors without the challenging pastry work. Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you’re craving something special.

There’s something magical about biting into these cookie cups. The crispy cookie shell gives way to smooth, rich filling studded with chocolate chips. It’s like enjoying a traditional cannoli but in a more approachable, homestyle format that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Cannoli Cups

For the Cookie Cups:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cannoli Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta, drained
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • Zest of one orange
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Kitchen tools required:

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Fine mesh strainer for draining ricotta
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie scoop
  • Piping bag with star tip
  • Microplane for zesting
  • Mixing bowls

Timing Your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  1. Drain ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini muffin tin.
  8. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place in muffin cups.
  9. Create an indentation in each cookie cup using a measuring spoon.
  10. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  11. Immediately reinforce indentations while cookies are hot.
  12. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  13. Mix drained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth.
  14. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
  15. Pipe filling into cooled cookie cups and garnish as desired.
  • Ensure ricotta is well-drained to prevent watery filling
  • Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough
  • Press indentations twice: before and after baking
  • Cool cups completely before filling
  • Fill cups just before serving for best texture

Creative Variations for Your Cannoli Cups

  • Add pistachios to the filling
  • Try dark or white chocolate chips
  • Incorporate almond extract
  • Dust with cocoa powder
  • Add candied orange peel

Perfect Partners

Serve these delightful treats with:

  • Italian espresso
  • Hot chocolate
  • Sweet dessert wine
  • Fresh berries
  • Vanilla gelato

Busy Day Hero

Make the components ahead and assemble when needed. The cookie cups can be baked and stored, while the filling stays fresh in the refrigerator. Perfect for last-minute entertaining or unexpected guests.

Work Ahead

Cookie cups can be baked up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The filling can be made 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Just pipe and serve when ready.

Save Some For Later

Unfilled cookie cups freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. The filling can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Never freeze the assembled cookie cups as the texture will suffer.

Everyone’s Happy

These treats appeal to all ages and can be easily customized. Kids love the cookie cup format, while adults appreciate the sophisticated cannoli flavors. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or holiday cookie platters.

Sugar-dusted cookie cup filled with cream and topped with chocolate chips and cookie crumbs on a textured white surface

Good For You Too

While these are definitely treats, using whole milk ricotta provides protein and calcium. The portion-controlled size helps with moderation, and you can adjust sugar levels to taste.

Easy Clean Up

Use parchment paper liners in your muffin tin for easier removal and cleanup. Having all ingredients measured before starting (mise en place) reduces kitchen chaos.

Switch It Up

Transform this recipe into:

  • Birthday treats with sprinkles
  • Holiday versions with seasonal spices
  • Wedding shower favors with elegant toppings
  • Mini dessert bar options
  • Gluten-free using alternative flour blends

Simply Perfect

These Cannoli Cookie Cups deliver the perfect balance of crispy and creamy, sweet and tangy. They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

While homemade dough is preferred, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough. Keep in mind that the texture and stability of the cups may vary, so watch them carefully while baking.

Why drain the ricotta?

Draining ricotta is crucial to prevent a watery filling that could make your cookie cups soggy. The drier consistency also creates a smoother, more authentic cannoli-like texture.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely! Bake the cookie cups up to 5 days ahead and prepare the filling 2 days in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

How do I store them?

Store unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the filling refrigerated in a sealed container. Once filled, consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Can I freeze them?

Only freeze the unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 3 months. The ricotta filling doesn’t freeze well, so always make it fresh or store in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a standard muffin tin, but this will yield fewer, larger cups. Adjust baking time accordingly – they may need an extra 2-3 minutes. The filling amounts will also need to be increased.

Can I skip the orange zest?

While orange zest can be omitted, it adds traditional cannoli flavor and brightness to the filling. If skipping, consider adding extra vanilla extract or a touch more cinnamon to maintain complexity.

Conclusion

These Cannoli Cookie Cups offer the perfect solution when you’re craving the classic Italian dessert but want something easier to prepare and serve. They maintain the beloved flavors of traditional cannoli while adding the homey comfort of a cookie. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

More Delicious Treats to Try

If you loved these Cannoli Cookie Cups, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring more delightful Italian-inspired desserts. For a citrusy twist, try the Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups, a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. If you’re a fan of banana-infused treats, these Luscious No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a must-try. For a nostalgic, spiced dessert, you can’t go wrong with a slice of Amish Applesauce Cake. And for those who love classic Italian flavors, the Bergamot Orange and Mascarpone Tiramisu with Pistachio Praline is a sophisticated take on a beloved dessert. Finally, if you’re looking for an indulgent, crunchy bite, these Caramel Fudge Crunch Bars will satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats!