Description
Classic Cannoli are a beloved Italian dessert made of crispy, golden fried pastry shells filled with a rich, creamy ricotta filling. Customizable with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit, they offer the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.
Ingredients
- For the Pastry Shells:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup dry white wine (or water, if preferred)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk, drained)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Pastry Shells: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and gradually add the white wine (or water) until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Shape the Dough: Roll the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Fry the Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough-wrapped tubes in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cool enough, slide the shells off the tubes.
- For the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the ricotta. Stir in chocolate chips if desired.
- Fill the Cannoli: Once the shells are completely cooled, pipe or spoon the ricotta mixture into the shells, filling them generously.
- Garnish and Serve: Dip the ends of the filled cannoli in pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Notes
- For smoother filling, blend the ricotta in a food processor.
- Make sure to fill the cannoli just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Store the shells and filling separately to keep them fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg