Cannoli, an iconic Italian dessert, is a delectable treat that hails from Sicily. With its golden, crispy shell and sweet, creamy filling, it has become a worldwide favorite. Whether you’ve enjoyed cannoli at an Italian bakery, during festive holidays, or at a café overlooking the Mediterranean, one thing is certain—there’s nothing quite like this dessert.
Today, we’ll guide you through how to make authentic cannoli from scratch. Not only will you learn the art of crafting perfectly crisp shells, but you’ll also discover how to whip up that irresistible ricotta filling.
What Are Cannoli?
Cannoli (plural of "cannolo") are tubular pastries made with fried dough, filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling. Originating in Sicily, cannoli were originally served during Carnevale, the festival season before Lent. Over time, they spread in popularity, becoming a staple of Italian desserts.
The best part? Cannoli are highly customizable! While the classic filling is made with sweetened ricotta, you can add chocolate chips, candied fruit, pistachios, or even citrus zest for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shells
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or Marsala wine
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Filling
- 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese (whole milk for best results)
- 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners' sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pistachios
- Candied orange or lemon peel
For Garnish (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios or chocolate chips for the ends
Essential Equipment
- Cannoli forms (metal tubes for shaping the shells)
- Rolling pin
- Deep saucepan or fryer
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Make the Dough (for the Shells)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the chilled cubes of butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Add the egg yolk and wine, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to knead it lightly to ensure it’s smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Start by draining the ricotta cheese to remove excess moisture. You can do this by placing the ricotta in a cheesecloth over a bowl and refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
- Once drained, mix the ricotta with sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in any optional add-ins, like mini chocolate chips or candied fruit. Cover and chill the filling in the fridge while you fry the shells.
3. Roll and Fry the Shells
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Using a circular cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.
- Wrap each circle around a cannoli form and seal the edges with a bit of beaten egg white.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shells, one or two at a time, until golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove and place on paper towels to cool. Once cool, carefully slide off the cannoli forms.
4. Fill the Shells
- Right before serving, fill a pastry bag with the chilled ricotta filling.
- Fill each shell from one end, then the other, ensuring the filling reaches all the way through.
- Dip the ends of the cannoli in chopped pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or candied fruit for added pizzazz.
5. Garnish and Serve!
- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the shells.
Tips for Perfect Cannoli
- Work Quickly with the Dough: Knead and roll the dough quickly to avoid warming the butter, which helps achieve a crisp shell.
- Drain the Ricotta Thoroughly: Excess moisture in the ricotta can make the filling too runny.
- Fill Just Before Serving: This prevents the shells from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite ingredients, like hazelnut spread, honey, or spices like cinnamon.
A Dessert Worth Every Bite
Cannoli are more than just a dessert—they’re a taste of Sicilian heritage. While they do require a bit of effort to make from scratch, the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly crisp shell filled with luscious ricotta makes it all worthwhile.
Whether you're preparing them for a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or just because, cannoli are sure to impress. Now it’s time to channel your inner Italian pastry chef and give this recipe a go.
Buon appetito! 🍴
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