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Home » Quick and Easy Recipes

CANNOLI COOKIE CUPS

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Published: Feb 20, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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These little cups are just so cute and tasty. They start with a crispy, buttery cookie cup, and then they're filled with that classic creamy cannoli filling – ricotta cheese, sugar, and a hint of vanilla.

Some mini chocolate chips add a little extra something special. It's like a mini cannoli party in every bite!

What's great about this recipe is that it's super easy to make. You can even use store-bought cookie dough to save time, which makes it even simpler! They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun little treat for yourself.

These Cannoli Cookie Cups are a fun twist on a classic dessert. They're easy to make, they look adorable, and they taste absolutely amazing.

They're the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

I really hope you give these Cannoli Cookie Cups a try! They're one of my go-to desserts, especially when I need something quick and easy, and I know you'll love them just as much as I do. They're the perfect little bite of happiness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy and Fun: These cookie cups are easier to make than traditional cannoli, making them a great option for beginner bakers.

  • Perfect for Parties: The individual cups are perfect for serving at parties and gatherings.

  • Customizable: You can easily customize the filling with different flavors and mix-ins.

  • Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to make and decorate these fun treats.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The cookie cups and filling can be made ahead of time and assembled when you're ready to serve.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Cups:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½!-- /wp:list-item -->
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cannoli Filling:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese, drained
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar

Directions:

  • Step 1: Make the Cookie Cups:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  • Step 2: Shape the Cookie Cups:
    Grease a muffin tin. Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and press it into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape.

  • You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create the cup shape.

  • Step 3: Bake the Cookie Cups:
    Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely in the muffin tin before removing.

  • Step 4: Make the Cannoli Filling:
    In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.

  • Step 5: Assemble the Cookie Cups:
    Spoon the cannoli filling into each cooled cookie cup.

  • Step 6: Garnish and Serve:
    Dust the filled cookie cups with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving and Storage:

Serving:

  • Parties and Gatherings: These cookie cups are perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion.

  • Dessert Table: They make a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert table.

  • Sweet Treat: They're a delightful treat for any time you're craving something sweet.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate (Filled Cups): Store filled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Room Temperature (Unfilled Cups): Store unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

  • Filling: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success:

  • Drain the Ricotta: Draining the ricotta cheese is essential for a thick and creamy filling. You can drain it by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined colander and letting it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

  • Cool Completely: Let the cookie cups cool completely before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.

  • Fill Just Before Serving: It's best to fill the cookie cups just before serving to prevent the cookie cups from becoming soggy.

  • Get Creative with Fillings: You can add other mix-ins to the filling, such as chopped nuts, candied fruit, or different types of chocolate chips.

Variations:

  • chocolate cookie Cups: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for chocolate cookie cups.

  • Lemon Cannoli Cups: Add lemon zest and lemon extract to the filling for a lemon twist.

  • Pistachio Cannoli Cups: Add chopped pistachios to the filling and as a garnish.

  • Different Chocolate: Use different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate.

  • Fruit Filling: Add fresh fruit or a fruit compote to the filling.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While ricotta is traditional for cannoli, you could experiment with mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.

Can I make the cookie cups without eggs?

Eggs are essential for the structure of the cookie cups.

Can I fill the cups ahead of time?

It's best to fill the cups just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How do I store leftover filling?

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the cookie cups?

You can freeze the baked cookie cups. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature.

These Cannoli Cookie Cups are a fun, festive, and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

The combination of crispy cookie cups and creamy cannoli filling is simply irresistible.

Whether you're hosting a party, baking for the holidays, or just want a sweet treat, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit.

The ease of preparation and the flavorful results make them a true winner, a perfect addition to any dessert menu.

They are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, a perfect way to end any meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

CANNOLI COOKIE CUPS

Sana Umer
These Cannoli Cookie Cups are a delightful and easy twist on the classic Italian cannoli. Crispy sugar cookie cups are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese filling, studded with chocolate chips and often other mix-ins like candied fruit or pistachios.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Chill time: 4 hours hrs
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 18 cookie cups
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cookie Cups:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese drained well
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons candied fruit chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios optional
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Make cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Chill dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until it's easier to handle.
  • Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
  • Shape cookie cups: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and press it into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape. You can use your fingers or the back of a measuring spoon to press the dough against the sides and bottom of the muffin cup.
  • Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookie cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make filling: While the cookie cups are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the mini chocolate chips, candied fruit (if using), pistachios (if using), and vanilla extract.
  • Chill filling: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to thicken.
  • Assemble cookie cups: Once the cookie cups and filling have cooled and chilled, spoon the ricotta cheese filling into each cookie cup.
  • Serve: Serve the Cannoli Cookie Cups immediately or store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ricotta Cheese: It's important to drain the ricotta cheese well to remove excess moisture. You can wrap it in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and press it gently to remove the moisture.
  • Cookie Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookie cups from spreading too much during baking.
  • Filling: You can customize the filling with your favorite mix-ins. Other good options include mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate chips.
  • Storage: Store the filled Cannoli Cookie Cups in the refrigerator. The cookie cups may soften slightly over time.
Variations:
  • Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Cookie Cups: Dip the cooled cookie cups in melted chocolate before filling them.
  • Mini Cannoli Cookie Cups: Use a smaller muffin tin to make mini cookie cups.
  • Different Flavors: Add other extracts, such as almond or lemon, to the cookie dough or filling for different flavors.
  • Savory Cannoli Cookie Cups: Omit the sugar from the dough and use savory ingredients in the filling, such as herbs, cheese, and vegetables.
Keyword Cannoli cookie cups, cannoli recipe, cookie cups, easy dessert, Italian dessert

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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