Classic Cannoli: A Delectable Journey into Italian Pastry Perfection

Cannoli, a beloved Italian dessert, are crispy, tube-shaped pastries filled with a creamy ricotta cheese filling. This classic treat is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. The delicate balance of flavors and textures in a cannoli makes it a truly unforgettable experience.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of making homemade cannoli, from preparing the shells to creating the perfect filling. With a little patience and practice, you can enjoy the delicious taste of authentic Italian cannoli right in your kitchen.

Yields: 8-10 cannoli 

Prep Time: 30 minutes 

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients for Cannoli Shells

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup Marsala wine
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cannoli tubes

Ingredients for Cannoli Filling

• 1 pound ricotta cheese, drained
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

 Make the Cannoli Shells

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and Marsala wine.
• Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
• Cut out circles of dough using a cannoli cutter or a glass.
• Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube and seal the edges with egg wash.
• Fry the cannoli shells in hot oil until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Remove the cannoli tubes from the cooled shells.

Make the Cannoli Filling

• In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, chocolate chips (if using), and lemon zest (if using).
• Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Fill the Cannoli

• Fill the cooled cannoli shells with the ricotta filling using a pastry bag or a spoon.
• Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.

Tips

• For a more authentic flavor, use 00 flour for the cannoli shells.
• You can find cannoli tubes at specialty kitchen stores or online.  
• If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry.
• For a richer filling, add a tablespoon of honey or orange blossom water.
• Store cannoli in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

Homemade cannoli offer a delightful and rewarding culinary experience. With a little effort and the right ingredients, you can create these iconic Italian pastries from the comfort of your kitchen. The crispy shells and creamy filling combine to create a truly delicious and satisfying treat. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, give making cannoli a try and savor the taste of this classic Italian dessert.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Cannoli!