Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of an Italian bakery but crave a fun, hands-on twist, look no further than Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones. This delightful dessert takes everything you adore about cannoli—the creamy ricotta filling, sweet pops of chocolate, and the irresistible crunch—and tucks it all into crispy waffle cones for maximum joy and minimum fuss. Whether you’re hosting a party, in need of a pick-me-up treat, or just want a no-bake dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, these cones have you covered. One bite and you’ll understand exactly why Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones are bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones come together quickly with just a handful of staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. From creamy ricotta to crispy cones and a touch of cinnamon, every part is chosen for taste, texture, and visual appeal—so don’t skip or skimp!

• Waffle cones: These form the playful, crunchy shell—look for fresh, sturdy cones that won’t crack under the creamy filling.
• Ricotta cheese (1½ cups, drained): The soul of the filling, ricotta must be well-drained for a luscious, thick texture.
• Heavy cream (cold): Adds lightness and silkiness when whipped; make sure it’s cold for the fluffiest results.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the filling, bringing not just sweetness but a dreamy, cloudlike finish.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the entire filling, rounding out all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): For those craving classic cannoli vibes, a hint of cinnamon warms things up beautifully.
• Mini chocolate chips: These scatter pops of chocolate throughout every bite—mini is best so they distribute perfectly!
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A snowy sprinkle just before serving feels and tastes so right.
• Optional toppings: Think chopped pistachios, chocolate shavings, or crushed cone for extra flair and crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones

Step 1: Drain the Ricotta

This step is your secret to ultra-creamy filling—don’t skip it! Place the ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl and let it drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This removes excess moisture so your cannoli cream is thick and dreamy instead of watery. You can even give the ricotta a gentle squeeze to help things along.

Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream

Cold heavy cream is the key here! Whip it in a medium bowl until you see stiff, confident peaks that stand tall. This airy cream will fold into your ricotta mixture and create that lush, cloudlike texture that’s signature for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones.

Step 3: Mix Up the Ricotta Base

In another bowl, stir together the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and, if using, ground cinnamon. Mix until the filling looks smooth, creamy, and well blended. You’re seeking a soft, spoonable consistency—taste and adjust for sugar or cinnamon, if you like.

Step 4: Fold Cream into Ricotta Mixture

Now, gently fold the whipped cream into your ricotta base. Use a spatula and a light hand so you keep all that luxurious fluff. The filling should look silky, light, and irresistibly spoonable at this point!

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in about half a cup of mini chocolate chips and gently fold them through the luscious cream. These mini chips bring those classic chocolate pockets to every bite—think of them as little bursts of happiness nestled inside your cones.

Step 6: Fill the Waffle Cones

Spoon or pipe the cannoli cream into each waffle cone. If you want extra crunch and chocolate, try coating the inside of each cone with melted chocolate and letting it set before filling. This simple step makes each bite even more special!

Step 7: Top and Chill

Add a generous sprinkle of the remaining mini chocolate chips, a dash of chopped pistachios, chocolate shavings, or extra crushed waffle cone. Pop the filled cones into the fridge and chill for 15–30 minutes. Just before serving, dust with a flurry of powdered sugar for that authentic cannoli finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones

Garnishes

There’s so much fun to be had in dressing up your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones. A flourish of powdered sugar, a shower of mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or elegant chocolate curls can turn each cone into a little work of edible art. You can set out a topping bar at parties and let everyone customize their own for a festive twist!

Side Dishes

Pair these cones with seasonal berries or a medley of sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them alongside tiny glasses of espresso or affogato. For an Italian-themed party, try a platter with amaretti cookies and limoncello shots on the side to match the vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones shine on a beautiful platter, standing upright in a cone holder or nestled in a bowl filled with coffee beans for flair. Wrap the bottoms in parchment or tie with ribbon for easy, mess-free holding at parties. If it’s a celebration, arrange the cones in a bouquet-style display and watch them disappear in minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cones left (lucky you!), store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The filling itself will keep for up to 3 days, but for best crunch, fill the cones just before serving; otherwise, the cones may start to soften as they sit with the cream.

Freezing

While the filled cones don’t freeze well (the cones become too soggy), you can absolutely freeze the cannoli filling. Store the prepared filling in an airtight container, freeze for up to one month, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a quick whip or fold before piping into fresh cones.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—these are best enjoyed chilled! If you’ve made the filling ahead or stored leftover filling, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembling your cones for an extra-lush texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well before using—waterlogged ricotta will make the filling loose. Fresh ricotta from a deli counter often has the best flavor, but high-quality supermarket tubs work perfectly when drained.

How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?

For crunch that lasts, fill the waffle cones just before serving. Want extra insurance? Brush the inside of each cone with melted chocolate, let it set, and then fill with cream. This barrier helps the cones hold up beautifully—even if you prep a little ahead.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free waffle cones online or at specialty stores. All the other ingredients in Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones can be naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chocolate chips and toppings to be sure.

What other flavors can I add to the filling?

Feel free to get creative! Swap the cinnamon for a hint of orange zest, add a few drops of almond extract, or fold in candied fruit. The cream base is a blank canvas for flavor experiments.

How far ahead can I make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones for a party?

You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance (store it chilled), but for the best texture, assemble the cones within an hour of serving. This way, they’ll be perfectly crisp and creamy when party time rolls around.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cones cause such a stir—they’re fun, festive, and irresistibly tasty! Whether you’re introducing them to friends or indulging solo, you’ll find yourself craving the cheerful crunch and creamy filling again and again. Give them a whirl and let your kitchen fill with smiles and sweet Italian spirit.

Print