This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip is everything you love about classic cannoli filling—sweet, creamy, and studded with chocolate chips—served up as a dip! It’s the perfect no-bake dessert for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a quick crowd-pleaser.
Made with a blend of creamy ricotta, rich mascarpone, vanilla, and powdered sugar, this dip is light, fluffy, and totally addictive. Pair it with waffle cones, graham crackers, pizzelle cookies, or fresh fruit. It’s like Italian bakery magic in bowl form!
🍪 Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ⅔ cup mini chocolate chips
🛒 Shop Essentials
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Drain Ricotta
Place ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl. Let drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This keeps the dip thick and creamy.
Step 2: Mix Dip
- In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone and drained ricotta until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until combined and creamy.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
🍓 Best Dippers for Cannoli Dip
- Waffle cone pieces or broken sugar cones
- Graham crackers or teddy grahams
- Vanilla wafers or biscotti
- Pizzelle cookies or shortbread
- Strawberries, apple slices, or bananas
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No-bake and ready in minutes
- ✅ Customizable and easy to prep ahead
- ✅ Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and holidays
- ✅ Rich cannoli flavor without frying a shell!
🎉 Flavor Variations
- Nutella Cannoli Dip: Add ¼ cup Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist
- Pistachio Swirl: Mix in 1–2 tbsp pistachio butter and sprinkle with crushed pistachios
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and add a pinch of flaky sea salt
- Orange Zest: Add ½ tsp orange zest for a bright citrus note
📦 Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Stir before serving—flavors improve after chilling
- Not recommended for freezing (texture may separate)
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💬 Reader Reviews
“This dip was gone in 15 minutes. Everyone thought I bought it from a bakery!” – Gina F.
“I served it with broken waffle cones and strawberries—total hit!” – Max R.
🥂 How to Serve Cannoli Dip for Any Occasion
Cannoli dip is more than just a casual snack—it can be dressed up or down for nearly any occasion. Here’s how to make it the centerpiece of your next dessert table:
🍰 Dessert Charcuterie Board
Build a sweet spread featuring your cannoli dip as the anchor. Surround it with:
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Waffle cone pieces
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Vanilla wafers
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Brownie bites
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Sliced strawberries and bananas
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Pretzel sticks (for a sweet + salty combo)
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Marshmallows, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies
Add small ramekins of mini chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, or caramel sauce for extra flair.
🥳 Party Parfaits
Layer the dip into mini cups with cookie crumbles, whipped cream, or chopped fruit. Top with a chocolate drizzle and a single mini cannoli shell. These are perfect for weddings, baby showers, or holiday events.
🍦 Dip-It Bar
Set up a “Build Your Own Cannoli Cup” bar with several toppings and dippers so guests can customize their own creations. Use ice cream scoops to portion the dip like soft serve!
🍫 Creative Toppings to Mix In or Sprinkle On Top
While mini chocolate chips are classic, here are some crowd-pleasing toppings to stir in or garnish with:
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Crushed pistachios or almonds
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Mini M&Ms or chopped candy bars
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Crushed biscotti or pizzelle cookies
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Toasted coconut flakes
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Drizzled melted chocolate, caramel, or raspberry sauce
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Edible gold dust or sprinkles for themed parties
This is an easy way to theme the dip for birthdays, holidays, or game day events.
🍩 How to Turn Cannoli Dip into Other Desserts
Think this dip is just for dipping? Think again! Here are ways to transform it into layered treats and fancy desserts:
1. Cannoli Stuffed Strawberries
Hollow out large strawberries and pipe cannoli dip into the center. Dip in chocolate or roll in chopped nuts for an elegant bite-size dessert.
2. Cannoli Icebox Cake
Layer graham crackers, cannoli dip, and mini chocolate chips in a baking dish. Chill overnight. It sets like a cheesecake-style dessert and slices like a dream!
3. Cannoli Tacos
Pipe dip into mini taco-shaped waffle cones and sprinkle with chocolate chips and powdered sugar. Super fun for parties or themed desserts.
4. Cheesecake Cups
Layer the dip into dessert jars with crushed graham crackers, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Add a cherry on top for an instant classic.
🎯 Hosting Tips for Cannoli Dip Success
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Double the batch for parties—it disappears quickly!
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Use a cold bowl to keep it firm during serving. You can even place your serving bowl inside another bowl filled with ice.
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Add spoons or mini scoops to help guests portion onto plates or cups without mess.
This dessert is always a hit because it’s:
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Easy to prep ahead
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Crowd-friendly
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Completely customizable
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Elegant enough for special occasions and simple enough for weeknight cravings