Description
Italian Cannoli are classic Sicilian pastries made with crisp, golden-fried shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta-based filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dry white wine or marsala
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the filling:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and wine, mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, then wrap in plastic and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
- While the dough rests, prepare the filling by mixing the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips or pistachios. Chill the filling in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Roll the rested dough very thin on a floured surface and cut into circles or ovals about 4 to 5 inches wide. Wrap each piece around a metal cannoli form, sealing the edge with beaten egg or water.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the shells, one or two at a time, until golden brown and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool before carefully removing the shells from the forms.
- Once the shells are fully cooled, pipe the ricotta filling into each side using a pastry bag or spoon. Serve immediately, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with additional chocolate or nuts.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta is well-drained for a smoother filling.
- Fry the shells in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Store filled cannoli in the refrigerator and consume within a few hours for best texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg