The first time I made these cannoli cookie sandwiches, I couldn’t believe how good they were. Two soft cookies with creamy cannoli filling in the middle—just perfect. They taste like a mix of a cookie and a classic Italian dessert.

I love how the cookies are slightly crisp on the edges and soft inside. The filling is rich, sweet, and full of that smooth ricotta flavor. Every bite feels like a little bite of happiness.

Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips or a dust of powdered sugar on top. They look so cute and taste even better. They’re great for parties, holidays, or just because you want something sweet.

So grab your mixing bowl and your favorite cookies. Let’s make these creamy, dreamy cannoli cookie sandwiches together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delectable Flavor: With the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese, the crunchiness of the cookies, and the sweetness of orange zest, each bite feels like a heavenly combination of flavors.
Quick and Simple: Despite looking and tasting like a gourmet dessert, these cannoli cookie sandwiches are easy to prepare with a few simple steps. No pastry expertise required!
Versatile: You can modify this recipe based on what’s available or your taste preferences, creating endless variations.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies and the mascarpone filling can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy weeks or last-minute celebrations.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love assembling and eating these cookie sandwiches, especially with the fun mix-ins like chocolate chips and pistachios!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that you likely already have on hand:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for the cookie dough and the mascarpone filling.
Electric Mixer (Optional): For easily blending the butter, sugar, and other ingredients for the cookie dough and whipped mascarpone filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients.
Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets for easy cleanup and to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.
Ice Cream Scoop or Tablespoon: For portioning out the cookie dough evenly.
Stand Mixer or Whisk: To whip the mascarpone filling to the perfect fluffy consistency.
Serrated Knife (Optional): To chop the pistachios for sprinkling onto the sandwich cookies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies and filling. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, but look for BelGioioso® products for authentic Italian flavor.

Cookie Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter (76 grams / ⅓ cup): The butter needs to be softened to room temperature so it can easily mix with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and even cookie dough.
Granulated Sugar (200 grams / 1 cup): The sugar adds sweetness and structure to the cookies.
Orange Zest (6 grams / 2 tablespoons): The zesty citrus flavor brightens up the cookies and pairs perfectly with the mascarpone filling.
Egg Yolks (37 grams / 2 large): Egg yolks help provide a rich texture and moisture to the cookies.
Egg (50 grams / 1 large): The whole egg is used to help bind the dough and provide structure.
Vanilla Extract (8 grams / 2 teaspoons): Vanilla adds a warm, fragrant sweetness to the cookies.
BelGioioso® Ricotta con Latte Cheese (112 grams / ½ cup): The ricotta cheese helps create a soft texture in the cookie dough and enhances the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (313 grams / 2½ cups): The flour is the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking Powder (2.5 grams / ½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a tender crumb.
Kosher Salt (1.5 grams / ½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Baking Soda (1.25 grams / ¼ teaspoon): Works in combination with the baking powder to help the cookies rise.
Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips (227 grams / 1 cup, divided): Chocolate chips add sweetness and melt into the cookies, making them extra indulgent.
Chopped Toasted Pistachios (57 grams / ½ cup): Chopped pistachios bring crunch, flavor, and a touch of elegance to the sandwich.

Whipped Mascarpone Filling Ingredients:

BelGioioso® Mascarpone Cheese (340 grams / 12 ounces): Mascarpone gives the filling its creamy and luxurious texture.
Confectioner’s Sugar (80 grams / ⅔ cup): Powdered sugar makes the filling smooth and sweet without any graininess.
Orange Zest (2 grams / 2 teaspoons): The citrus zest complements the flavor of the cookies and adds a refreshing brightness to the filling.
Vanilla Bean Paste (12 grams / 2 teaspoons) or Vanilla Extract (8 grams / 1 tablespoon): The vanilla adds depth to the mascarpone filling.
Kosher Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Cold Heavy Whipping Cream (60 grams / ¼ cup): Whipping cream adds volume and smoothness to the filling, helping it hold its shape when assembled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Ricotta: Next, add the egg yolks, whole egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined. Then add the ricotta cheese and blend until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in ¾ of the mini semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped toasted pistachios, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the Dough: Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Mascarpone Filling

Whip the Mascarpone: In a large mixing bowl, combine the BelGioioso® mascarpone cheese, confectioner’s sugar, orange zest, vanilla bean paste or extract, and kosher salt. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This can take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Combine the Whipped Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The resulting filling should be light, airy, and thick.

3. Assemble the Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches

Spread the Filling: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of mascarpone filling on the flat side of one cookie.
Top with Another Cookie: Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the filling, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Chill the Sandwiches: Place the assembled cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and firm up.
Decorate (Optional): If desired, you can roll the edges of the cookie sandwiches in the remaining mini semisweet chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

How to Serve Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches

These cannoli cookie sandwiches are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or a casual dessert after dinner. Here are some ways to serve them:

As a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookie sandwiches on a platter for a beautiful and elegant dessert display.
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect after-dinner treat.
In Gift Baskets: These cookie sandwiches make a wonderful gift for friends and family. Just pack them in a cute box or basket for a sweet gesture.

Storing Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches

Refrigeration: Store the assembled cannoli cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone filling needs to be kept cool to maintain its texture.
Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies individually and assemble them when ready to serve. Freeze the cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. To assemble, let the cookies thaw slightly before filling them.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie Sandwich)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230
Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	26g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Conclusion

Cannoli Cookie Sandwiches are a decadent, fun twist on the classic Italian cannoli. With a sweet and creamy mascarpone filling sandwiched between soft, flavorful cookies, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of citrusy orange zest, rich mascarpone, crunchy pistachios, and melted chocolate creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prepping or gifting. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats!