Easy Cannoli Recipe - Make Perfect Cannoli at Home

Creating the perfect cannoli at home might sound daunting, but it's an art that you can master with a straightforward recipe and a bit of know-how. Whether you're planning to impress your friends or satisfy a personal craving for the creamy, crunchy delights of Italy, this guide is here to help. Let's dive into the world of Sicilian pastry and craft some unforgettable cannoli shells and fillings.

Ingredients for Shells

Before we get started, gathering all the necessary ingredients for the shells is crucial:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup dry red wine or Marsala
• Vegetable oil, for frying

🍸 Note: Dry red wine or Marsala contributes to the shell's unique flavor profile, but if you choose to forgo alcohol, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be a suitable substitute.

Instructions for Shells

Now, let's walk through the steps to create the crisp cannoli shells:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Add Shortening: Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Whisk Egg: In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg with the wine until blended.
4. Combine: Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, blending gently with a fork until the dough forms.
5. Knead: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap and rest for at least 30 minutes.
6. Shape: Divide the dough into four pieces, roll each piece into a very thin sheet, about 1/16-inch thick. Cut into 4 1/2-inch circles.
7. Roll Around Forms: Lightly wrap each circle around a cannoli form, brushing the overlap with egg white to seal.
8. Fry: Heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C) and deep-fry the shells until golden brown, roughly 1-2 minutes per shell.
9. Cool: Allow the shells to cool on paper towels before gently removing the metal forms.

⚠️ Note: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; too hot, and the shells will burn, too cold, and they'll become greasy.

Ingredients for Filling

Once your shells are ready, it's time to whip up a delectable filling:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped candied fruit
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)

Instructions for Filling

Here's how to prepare the creamy filling:

1. Prepare Ricotta: Drain the ricotta in cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and zest if using.
3. Add Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips or candied fruit.
4. Chill: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using.

Assemble Cannoli

With your shells and filling ready, follow these steps to assemble your cannoli:

1. Pipe Filling: Using a pastry bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, pipe the filling into each end of the cannoli shell until filled.
2. Garnish: Add a touch of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios on the ends.

🍫 Note: Fill cannoli just before serving to ensure they remain crisp; the filling can soften the shell over time.

In closing, making cannoli at home is a rewarding culinary journey that combines the crunch of deep-fried shells with the creamy, sweet filling, epitomizing the essence of Sicilian sweets. This straightforward recipe guides you through the steps, highlighting the importance of rest time for dough and chilling for the filling. With your newfound skills, you’re now equipped to delight yourself or your guests with these delectable treats.

Remember, while tradition is at the heart of cannoli, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and garnishes to make these pastries uniquely yours.

Can I make cannoli shells in advance?

+

Yes, you can make cannoli shells up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp. Fill them just before serving to maintain their texture.

What if I don’t have wine for the dough?

+

You can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative to the wine. These acids will give the shells a slight tang but will work just as well in creating the dough’s texture.

Can I freeze the cannoli shells?

+

While you can freeze the dough for later use, it’s best not to freeze the fried shells as they might lose their crispiness upon thawing.