Cannoli Siciliani: The Crispy, Creamy Italian Dessert That Wins Hearts
Cannoli are one of Sicily’s most iconic desserts—crispy, golden shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling, often kissed with chocolate chips, candied orange peel, or crushed pistachios. Making authentic Cannoli at home may seem intimidating, but with a few tricks (and the right tools), you’ll be turning out bakery-level treats that would impress any Nonna.
🥕 Ingredients (Makes About 12 Cannoli)
For the Shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for darker shells)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dry white wine or Marsala wine
- 1 egg white (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained overnight)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
- Candied orange peel (optional)
🍲 Instructions
Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Add egg and wine, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth, then wrap in plastic and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
Roll & Cut: Roll dough out very thin on a floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches wide) to cut out circles. Wrap each around a metal cannoli tube, sealing the edge with a bit of egg white.
Fry the Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cannoli tubes until golden and bubbly, about 1–2 minutes. Remove with tongs and let cool slightly before gently removing shells from the tubes.
Make the Filling: Beat the drained ricotta with powdered sugar and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips or pistachios.
Fill and Serve: Just before serving, pipe the ricotta filling into each shell. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with candied orange or more chocolate chips.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Perfect Cannoli Siciliani
- 🍩 Cannoli Shell Tubes (Metal Forms) – Essential for shaping authentic shells.
- 🧀 Ricotta Cheese Strainer or Cheesecloth Set – Drain your ricotta for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
- 🍫 Mini Chocolate Chips – Perfectly sized for folding into that sweet ricotta.
- 🍊 Candied Orange Peel – Adds an authentic Sicilian twist.
- 🥄 Pastry Bag & Tips Set – Makes filling cannoli easy and mess-free.
- 🥣 Mixing Bowl Set – Ideal for making dough and mixing filling.
- 🌡️ Oil Thermometer for Frying – Ensures perfect frying temperature every time.
- 🧁 Powdered Sugar Shaker or Duster – For that final, elegant finish.
Pro Tip: Always fill the shells just before serving to keep them perfectly crispy—never soggy!