Cannoli Cones

Cannoli Cones are a fun twist on the classic Italian dessert recipe! Smooth, rich cannoli filling is paired with a sweet, delicate pizzelle cookie.

This recipe is deliciously authentic and makes cannoli quicker and easier to prepare than ever.

Cannoli Cones are a fun twist on the classic Italian dessert recipe! Smooth, rich cannoli ricotta filling is paired with a sweet, delicate pizzelle cookie.

This recipe is deliciously authentic and makes cannoli quicker and easier to prepare than ever.

Buongiorno everyone! I'm back with another Italian dessert! Today we're talking about one of my absolute faves, Cannoli.

Introduction to Cannoli Cones

Cannoli cones are a creative and delicious twist on traditional cannoli. Instead of using fried pastry shells, these cannoli cones use a delicate pizelle cookie (althought you could use sugar ice cream cones or waffle cones as a substitute!)

This innovative approach makes it easier to enjoy the classic Italian dessert at home. Cannoli cones are perfect for parties, gatherings, and special occasions, and give a fun and creative presentation for the traditional treat!

What are Cannoli?

Cannoli are pastries which originate back to the Sicily region of Italy. Traditional, classic cannoli are made from sheets of pasta dough that are fried into a tube shape to create cannoli shells, which are then filled with a sweetened ricotta moist cheese mixture.

My issue with regular cannoli....

I don’t normally order Cannoli at restaurants. Why? It’s the shell.

The one thing I really don’t love about cannoli is the fact that the shell is usually…

A) Overcooked

B) Flavorless

C) Pre-filled (=sad & soggy)

Not saying there aren’t good shells out there, of course there are! However, I think this is also where a lot of restaurants and bakeries get it wrong.

After giving it some thought, I decided if I feel this way about cannoli, others must too. There must be a way to enjoy all the pleasures of cannoli without that thick, heavy, deep-fried shell.

Pizzelle cookies instantly came to mind, although like I said - you could also use waffle ice cream cones, or wrapped pastry cones, which offer a lighter and easier-to-make option.

Enter, Cannoli Cones

I took a lovely, semi sweet chocolate, vanilla infused Pizzelle cookie, formed it into a cone and made a new happy home for all that sweet & delicious cannoli filling. And, whoa. These were an absolute home run.

Home. Run.

Let me tell you, cannoli filling tastes SO much better with a delicately, crisp cookie!!

Plus, there is NO FRYING REQUIRED. I’m all for making less of a mess in the kitchen (I’m messy enough 😉 )

Instead of using fried pastry shells, cannoli cones use sugar cones, waffle cones, or even pastry cannoli cones as a substitute for pastry sheets.

This makes the preparation simpler and the presentation impressive, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

I do have to say, even if you don’t feel like going through the process of baking sheet making pizzelle into cones, you can totally use the recipe for the filling as a cannoli dip. The cannoli filling recipe I share in this post is divine.

Read more about ways to use the cannoli filling below!

Ingredients and Equipment

To make cannoli cones, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ricotta cheese (whole milk is recommended. Part-skim doesn't have as much flavor)
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped chocolate or Mini chocolate chips (optional)
• Pizzelle cookies that have been shaped into cones, sugar ice cream cones or waffle cones work well too. 
• Melted chocolate (optional)
• Chopped nuts or orange zest (optional)

You will also need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or piping bag for filling cones
• Paper towels or cheesecloth for draining ricotta cheese

Let me tell you, cannoli filling tastes SO much better with a delicately, crisp cookie!! Plus, there is NO FRYING REQUIRED. I'm all for making less of a mess in the kitchen (I'm messy enough 😉 )

I do have to say, even if you don't feel like going through the process of making pizzelle into cones, you can totally use the recipe for the filling as a cannoli dip. My cannoli filling recipe here is divine. 

Read more about ways to use the cannoli filling below! 

What is Cannoli Filling with Ricotta Cheese?

Cannoli filling is a mixture of sweetened ricotta cheese & usually some warm spices, chocolate, and/or citrus. My recipe leaves out the citrus and focuses on the chocolate, because well,...who doesn't want the chocolate front and center!

The filling should always be smooth and creamy. It should also be thick but light & airy.

It doesn't take many ingredients to make, so getting the filling juuust right is easy to achieve if you take your time to properly care for each ingredient.

My cannoli filling recipe is made with a rich combination of ricotta cheese and whipped cream. I chopped up the chocolate into fine shreds so that the texture stayed smooth and is more stracciatella-like.

See how fluffy it is?

I started this recipe with high quality ricotta cheese. I try to buy the best, most fresh, whole milk ricotta cheese I can find because it is the main ingredient.

Preferably, I look for premium ricotta. It is less liquidy and has a rich creamy, flavor. I'm a big fan of Biazzo (not sponsored). Plus, it comes in a cute, tin bucket.

If you live near an Italian specialty store, or even a cheese shop, check to see if they have it.

Otherwise, look in the specialty cheese section of your local grocery store.

Sometimes, they have small batch milk ricotta cheese or other brands. If you can't find that, good old regular, full fat ricotta cheese will do!!

How to prepare & store cannoli cones

Cannoli cones are very easy to make ahead and store.

All you have to do is keep the shells or wrapped pastry cones separate from the filling until you’re ready to serve. You can make the cookies a day ahead and store in an airtight container-tight container to ensure they stay crisp.

You can make the filling a day ahead or few hours ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Right when you’re about to serve, fill a piping bag with a large star tip and pipe the filling into the cookies. DONE!

Assembling and Serving

To assemble the cannoli cones, follow these general steps:

1. Drain the ricotta cheese using paper towels or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
2. In a mixing bowl, on high speed whip up the cream, then combine the drained ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract, spice, and mix until combined.
4. Spoon or pipe the ricotta mixture into the cone shaped pizzelle cookies, sugar ice cream cones or waffle cones.
5. Top with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or orange zest, if desired.
6. Serve immediately!

If you're short on time and can't make Pizzelle Cones, use Sugar Cones...

Here are some more ideas to use your Cannoli Filling:

• Make the cannoli filling and use it as a dip. Break up store-bought Pizzelle cookies, waffle cones, or sugar cones to dip with.
• Sandwich two Pizzelle cookies with a spread of Nutella and a spoonful of this dip. I tried this, it was mind-blowing.
• Use the filling for cakes.
• Use the filling for an icebox cake.
• Scoop a spoonful in a bowl and pair with fresh, sliced strawberries or raspberries.

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