Hey y’all, it’s Austin here from Beyond the Bayou. Cannoli is one of my all-time favorite Italian desserts, and it reminds me of growing up in New Orleans. We had this little Italian bakery down the street that made the most incredible cannoli I’ve ever tasted.
The crispy fried shells were filled with the creamiest sweet ricotta filling with just the right amount of chocolate chips. Whenever my parents took me there as a treat, I’d stare wide-eyed through the glass cases at all the beautiful pastries.
But you don’t need to travel to New Orleans or Italy to get that authentic cannoli flavor. This recipe lets you make delicious cannoli right at home. It’s easier than you might think to fry up the shells and whip together that luscious creamy filling.
Whether you’ve loved cannoli since you were a kid or have never tried it before, this dessert is guaranteed to have you coming back for more. Try this amazing recipe with my favorite Caramel Iced Coffee for an add-on.
What Is Cannoli?
If you’re new to cannoli, they’re a classic Sicilian pastry made by rolling dough into circles, wrapping them around metal cylinders, and deep-frying.
After cooling, fill the shells with sweetened ricotta filling. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the filling and dip the ends in crushed nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
![Cannoli Recipe [Irresistible Mini Italian Desserts]](https://cdn.beyondthebayoublog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cannoli-Recipe-Irresistible-Mini-Italian-Desserts.png)
Cannoli Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Fork
- Pasta machine
- Cutter or large glass
- Deep fryer or deep skillet
- Cannoli tubes
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack
- Paper Towels
- Pastry bag
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- ½ cup sweet Marsala wine
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg white
- 1 quart oil for frying or as needed
Filling:
- 1 32 ounce container ricotta cheese, drained
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or to taste
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in shortening until crumbly.
- Add Marsala wine, water, vinegar, egg, and egg yolk. Mix with a fork, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.
- Divide dough into three balls; flatten and roll through a pasta machine to the thinnest setting. Cut into 4 to 5-inch circles.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry dough on cannoli tubes until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove shells and cool on a rack.
- Mix ricotta and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl. Fold in chocolate and lemon zest.
- Pipe filling into cooled shells with a pastry bag, from center to each end.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired, and serve immediately or within 1 hour.
Nutrition
Variations You Can Try!
1. Flavored Shells:
- Cocoa Powder: Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a subtle citrus flavor in your shells.
2. Infused Ricotta:
- Vanilla Bean: Scrape a vanilla bean into the ricotta mixture for an aromatic and flavorful filling.
- Almond Extract: A few drops of almond extract can give a deliciously nutty aroma.
3. Filling Add-Ins:
- Candied Fruit: Fold in finely chopped candied orange peel or citron for a traditional touch.
- Nuts: Mix in chopped pistachios or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
4. Toppings:
- Crushed Pistachios: Dip the ends of filled cannoli in crushed pistachios for a beautiful and tasty finish.
- Chocolate Dip: Dip the ends of the shells in melted chocolate before filling for an extra layer of indulgence.
5. Unique Fillings:
- Mascarpone Blend: Combine equal parts ricotta and mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
- Fruit Purees: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry puree for a fruity twist.
6. Modern Twists:
- Matcha: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the filling for a green tea-flavored cannoli.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the filled cannoli for a sweet and salty contrast.
These variations not only add exciting flavors but also allow you to customize your cannoli to suit different occasions and tastes. Happy cooking and enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Cannoli?
