Indulge in a classic Italian dessert with this homemade cannoli recipe! Imagine the delightful contrast between the light, crispy shell and the rich, creamy filling. Each bite offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors, highlighted by a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Though they require a bit of effort to make, the result is undeniably worth it!

Why You’ll Love These Cannoli

• Rich, Creamy Taste: The filling’s combination of ricotta cheese, vanilla, and chocolate chips creates a rich and indulgent flavor that you won’t forget.
• Impressive Presentation: These elegant Italian pastries will leave your guests in awe, making your dessert table look like it came straight from a high-end bakery.
• Customizable Creativity: Feel free to experiment! You can add citrus zest, nuts, or even flavored extracts to make the filling uniquely yours.
• Cultural Connection: Crafting these iconic Sicilian pastries immerses you in Italian culinary traditions and brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, and Salt: These create a delicate yet sturdy base for the cannoli shells, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and tenderness, creating that flaky, layered texture we all love.
• Marsala Wine: Gives the dough a deep, slightly sweet flavor and works to create a tender, pliable texture.
• Large Egg Yolks: Contributes moisture, richness, and that beautiful yellow color to the shells.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving the golden, crispy exterior of the cannoli shells.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling! It offers a creamy, rich base that’s simply heavenly.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling without graininess, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
• Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon: These add a subtle, aromatic flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These provide little bursts of sweetness and add delightful texture to the filling.

How to Make Cannoli

This recipe may seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple! Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Next, incorporate the egg yolks and marsala wine, pulsing until the dough starts to come together.

2. Knead and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a towel and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

3. Shape the Shells

After resting, roll out the dough to around ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Wrap each circle around a cannoli form, brushing the edges with reserved egg white to ensure they stick together.

4. Fry the Shells

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the shells in small batches for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Carefully remove the forms and allow the shells to cool completely.

5. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the strained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Assemble the Cannoli

Once ready to serve, pipe the chilled ricotta filling into the cooled cannoli shells from both ends. For an extra treat, dip the ends in additional chocolate chips. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Cannoli

Follow these simple tips to become a cannoli-making expert in no time:

• Prep the Ricotta: For a thicker and creamier filling, strain the ricotta overnight to remove excess moisture.
• Let it Chill: Always chill the ricotta filling for at least 1 hour before piping it into the shells for the best consistency.
• Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself: Only fill the cannoli right before serving to keep the shells crisp and avoid sogginess.
• Try Tasty Variations: Experiment with different add-ins like chopped pistachios, candied orange peel, or toasted almonds. You can also add lemon zest or almond extract to the filling for a unique twist.

How to Store Cannoli

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover cannoli, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness:

To Store: Keep unfilled cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Store the ricotta filling in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Fill the cannoli just before serving for the best texture!

If storing filled cannoli, refrigerate them in a single layer lined with paper towels. They’re best consumed within 1-2 hours after filling, but will last up to a day, with slight softening of the shells.

To Freeze: Unfilled shells can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before using. Avoid freezing filled cannoli, as the filling can alter the texture of the shells.