Best Cannoli Dip
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Cannoli Dip is a creamy dessert dip made from whipped cannoli filling using real mascarpone cheese and served with chocolate chip cookies or broken waffle cones for dipping. This recipe is loaded with mini chocolate chips and is the perfect sweet treat that is no bake!
Dessert dips are quickly becoming be new favorite way to feed my sweet tooth. Not only do I get to eat a sweet dip, but I also get to dip other sweet vessels into said dip. It’s a double-dose of sweetness!
What is Cannoli Dip?
This cannoli dip is made just like authentic cannoli filling, except with mascarpone cheese added to help thicken it up. Mascarpone is like cream cheese, but not as sweet and tangy. I don’t recommend substituting it, though, because I think the dip will taste more like cheesecake dip than cannoli dip.
I’ve seen a few cannoli dip recipes out there and they use waffle cones as the dipping mechanism. I think these are a great substitute for cannoli shells because they have the same crunch and texture, though the flavor is slightly off.
Ingredients needed for Cannoli Dip
- Mascarpone cheese – You could also use cream cheese (grab full fat) but this will give it more of a buttery flavor so we recommend this!
- Whole milk ricotta cheese – A staple in traditional cannoli and essential to getting the flavor you are looking for.
- Powdered sugar – Whip this with the cheeses to get that light, fluffy dip to dig into!
- Extracts – Vanilla extract and Almond extract give it the perfect flavor profile.
- Mini chocolate chips – Another option is to chop up blocks of chocolate or adding larger chocolate chips, but the little ones are perfect for dipping.
- Chocolate chip cookies – This if or dipping. You can also use broken waffle cones.
How Do I Make Cannoli Dip?
- First thing is to grab a bowl and combine all the cheeses, extracts and powdered sugar. We recommend doing this in a bowl of a stand mixer or mixing it in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer.
- Whip on medium high for about 5 minutes or until thick and fluffy.
- After that fold in 3 Tbsp mini chocolate chips. Place the dip in a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top!
Cannoli Dip Dippers
But what I think is an EVEN better dipping mechanism than the waffle cone or cannoli shell is a chocolate chip cookie. Cookies go best with milk so it just felt natural to pair it with the dairy-based dip.
To be honest, this magical pairing was a complete and utter accident – chocolate chip cookies were all I had in my pantry when I made the dip for the first time.
If you must go ahead and try that broken waffle cone to compare it!
More great ideas for dipping are graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pizzelle cookies or whatever you can think of!
How Long Does Cannoli Dip Last In The Fridge?
Make sure to store this dessert dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Pro Tips!
- Make sure to use whole milk ricotta. In order for this dip to get whipped and creamy, you need that fat from the whole milk.
- When you first start whipping the ingredients together, they will be thin and runny, almost like melted ice cream. But trust me – you just need to keep whipping it to help fluff it up.
- We highly recommend using a hand mixer or stand mixer to get it whipped up! Whisking by hand will not achieve the same results.
- This dip is loaded with chocolate chips, but feel free to use any other cannoli toppings that you love – chopped pistachios would make an excellent addition here.
- Don’t make this dip too far in advance – the dip will collect a little bit of liquid at the bottom after a couple days. You can just stir it back in, of course, but you’ll lose the pretty presentation of chocolate chips on top.
More Of My Favorite Dessert Dips!
- With only three ingredients Funfetti Dip is perfect for dipping graham crackers and animal crackers in!
- Quick and easy three ingredients Easy Fruit Dip is the perfect pair to all your fresh fruit during the summer. Sweet, creamy and so easy to make!
- Got apples? Make this Apple Brickle Dip with a cream cheese dip and toffee in it!
MORE MUST-TRY RECIPES!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Cannoli Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full fat mascarpone cheese excess water drained off if needed
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese drained
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, pizzelle cookies, graham crackers or cannoli shells for serving
Instructions
- Combine cheeses, extracts, and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer fit with a paddle attachment (or you can use a hand mixer). Whip on medium-high until thick and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Fold in 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Pour dip into serving bowl. Top with remaining chocolate chips. Let it set in fridge for about 1 hour and then serve with chocolate chips cookies.
Tips
- Make sure to use whole milk ricotta. In order for this dip to get whipped and creamy, you need that fat from the whole milk.
- When you first start whipping the ingredients together, they will be thin and runny, almost like melted ice cream. But trust me – you just need to keep whipping it to help fluff it up.
- We highly recommend using a hand mixer or stand mixer to get it whipped up! Whisking by hand will not achieve the same results.
- This dip is loaded with chocolate chips, but feel free to use any other cannoli toppings that you love – chopped pistachios would make an excellent addition here.
- Don’t make this dip too far in advance – the dip will collect a little bit of liquid at the bottom after a couple days. You can just stir it back in, of course, but you’ll lose the pretty presentation of chocolate chips on top.
Susan says
This was very easy to make and so delicious! Everyone loved it. Thanks Julie.
Julie says
You’re welcome! I’m glad it was a hit!
Ilene says
Can this be made and used as a cupcake filling?
Julie says
I have never tested it as a filling, if you try it let me know how it goes!
Jen says
Hi! Can this dip be made ahead of time and frozen?
Julie says
I haven’t tried freezing this one so I’m not sure, if you try it let me know how it goes!
Maria says
Do you need to drain the ricotta?
Julie says
You can but it won’t make much difference either way.
Kellie Cook says
This is delicious!! Made it to go in mini cannoli shells for Xmas Eve & it works if you keep them cold. Lots leftover so we ate it with sliced apples over the next few days. I only had cream cheese not mascarpone but it was still outstanding!! I’m afraid to make it again cause I WILL eat every bit of it 😈😈
Julie says
It can be a dangerously delicious dessert! I’m so glad it was a hit over the holidays for you!
Monica says
This is, by far, the BEST cannoli dip I have ever tasted!! Everyone raved about it at Christmas and was so easy to prepare. Will be doing this a lot!
Julie says
Awesome! I’m so glad it was a hit! Thanks for the rating and review, Monica!
Sharron says
Is this thick enough to put in a cannoli shells?
Julie Evink says
I’m not sure Sharron I’ve never tested that.
Karen says
Tried different recipes, doesn’t taste like cannoli at all. I think to much sugar. My husband loves his Cannoli but hated the recipes I have tried. Going to try with in 1/2cup of sugar. Or just stick to real Cannoli.
Nellie Tracy says
WOW. This dip is amazing! It never lasts long at my house!
Kasey Schwartz says
OH my GOODNESS!!!! This is one recipe that I’m putting right to the top of my list to make! YUMMMYYY!!!!
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry you had issues with the recipe!
Valentina @ Valentina's Corner says
What a perfect dip for parties! Pinning this for later. 🙂
Julie Evink says
Enjoy Valentina!
Melissa Howell says
I’ve always wondered what was inside cannolis! This is so much easier than making cannolis and sounds like the perfect treat!
Julie Evink says
I’m all about making things easy!
Malinda says
This dip looks delish! And I think a chocolate chip cookie would be my favorite too! 🙂
Julie Evink says
I’m never one to say no to a Chocolate Chip Cookie!
Danielle Green says
Cannolis are great, but way to much work so I love this easy dip version!!!
Julie Evink says
I have the same thoughts about Cannolis! Love the ease of this dip!