Cannoli Ice Cream Cones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cannoli Ice Cream Cones are a fun and inventive way to enjoy the beloved cannoli flavor in a new form. The creamy ricotta filling is rich yet light, offering the same satisfying sweetness you love in cannoli, but with the added bonus of being served in a crunchy ice cream cone. With a hint of vanilla, chocolate chips, and a sprinkling of pistachios, this dessert offers layers of flavor and texture that are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)

• 6-8 waffle cones

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the ricotta is a bit too watery, place it in a fine mesh strainer for 30 minutes to drain excess liquid.

2. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.

3. Fold the Cream into Ricotta:
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until fully combined. This will make the filling light and airy, just like the traditional cannoli filling.

4. Add Chocolate Chips:
   Stir in the mini chocolate chips, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the filling.

5. Fill the Cones:
   Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture into the waffle cones. You can also use a piping bag for a more decorative presentation. Fill the cones all the way to the top and gently press the mixture down to ensure it’s packed in.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the tops of the filled cones with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey if desired. For an extra touch, you can also dip the tips of the cones in more mini chocolate chips.

7. Chill:
   Place the filled cones in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the filling slightly before serving. This also helps the flavors meld together.

8. Serve:
   Serve immediately or store the cones in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours. Enjoy your delicious Cannoli Ice Cream Cones!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 cones

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chilling time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Dipped Cones: Dip the tips of the cones in melted chocolate before filling them for an extra decadent treat.

• Fruit: Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries on top for a fresh, fruity contrast to the creamy filling.

• Different Nuts: Swap the pistachios for crushed almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts for a different twist on the garnish.

• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture for a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the sweet filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover filled cones, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours. The cones may soften a bit, so it’s best to serve them soon after filling.

• Freezing: You can freeze the ricotta filling and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before filling the cones.

• Reheating: No reheating is necessary for this dessert, as it is best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Traditionally, ricotta cheese is used in cannoli filling, but you can try mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier texture or even cream cheese for a tangy twist.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the ricotta filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using it to fill the cones.

Can I use store-bought cones?

Yes, you can use store-bought waffle cones, but for an extra special touch, you can make your own cones or dip the store-bought ones in melted chocolate for a more personalized flavor.

How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?

To prevent the cones from getting soggy, don’t fill them until just before serving. If you’re making them ahead of time, store the cones and the filling separately, and fill them shortly before serving.

Can I make this recipe without the heavy cream?

You can use whipped coconut cream or non-dairy alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I know when the filling is the right consistency?

The filling should be creamy, light, and fluffy. It should hold its shape when piped or spooned into the cones but not be too stiff. If it’s too runny, try draining the ricotta longer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the regular waffle cones for gluten-free cones, which are available at most grocery stores.

How do I keep the cones crisp?

To maintain the crunch of the cones, it’s best to fill them just before serving. If you need to store filled cones, place them upright in a container and refrigerate them for no more than a couple of hours.

Can I make these cones without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips in the filling if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor. You can also add candied fruit or leave the filling plain.

Can I use a piping bag to fill the cones?

Yes, using a piping bag will help you fill the cones more neatly and precisely, and can create a more decorative appearance.

Conclusion

Cannoli Ice Cream Cones are a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert. The creamy ricotta filling and crunchy waffle cone come together to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and innovative. With the addition of mini chocolate chips and pistachios, these cones offer a balanced mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a fun, homemade indulgence. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cones will become a new favorite dessert in no time!