Welcome to our homemade cannoli recipe! If you’re a fan of delightful desserts, you’re in for a treat. Our step-by-step guide will help you create the most scrumptious homemade cannolis right in your own kitchen. Get ready to indulge in the crispy shell, luscious ricotta filling, and heavenly flavors that will transport you to Italy with every bite.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, our homemade cannoli recipe is sure to impress. You don’t have to be an experienced pastry chef to master this classic Italian dessert. With a few key ingredients, the right tools, and a little bit of patience, you’ll be creating cannolis that are on par with those served in the finest Italian bakeries.

To enhance your experience, we have included beautiful images throughout this article, such as the one below, which will surely make your taste buds tingle. Enjoy the visual feast!

What are Cannoli?

Cannoli are a traditional Italian pastry that originated on the island of Sicily. They have since become popular in Italian-American cuisine, particularly in the Northeastern United States. Cannoli are characterized by their tube-shaped shells, which are made from deep-fried dough. The shells are then filled with a slightly sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling. In Italian, the singular form of cannoli is cannolo, and the plural form is cannoli.

If you’ve never tasted cannoli, imagine biting into a crispy shell that gives way to a luscious, velvety ricotta filling. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. Cannoli are a beloved treat that embodies the essence of Italian pastry craftsmanship.

“Cannoli are like a taste of Sicilian sunshine in every bite. The contrast of the crispy shell and creamy filling is what makes them truly special.” – Maria Rossi, pastry chef

Cannoli: A Brief History

The history of cannoli can be traced back to the 9th century in Sicily, Italy. These delightful pastries were originally made as a symbolic treat during Carnevale, a festival preceding Lent. The tube-shaped cannoli shells represented the horns of animals, symbolizing fertility and good luck.

Over time, cannoli gained popularity throughout Sicily and eventually made their way to Italian-American communities in the early 20th century. Today, cannoli are a staple in Italian-American bakeries and a delicacy enjoyed by dessert enthusiasts around the world.

Cannoli in Italian-American Cuisine

In Italian-American cuisine, cannoli have become synonymous with indulgence and celebration. Whether enjoyed as a special treat during holidays like Christmas and Easter or as a decadent dessert at weddings and parties, cannoli hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Italian-American bakeries across the United States have put their own spin on cannoli, offering variations with different fillings and toppings. From classic ricotta filling to creative variations like chocolate chip, pistachio, or even Nutella, there’s a cannoli for every taste preference.

Cannoli Varieties	Description
Traditional Cannoli	The classic version with a ricotta filling, often garnished with powdered sugar.
Chocolate Chip Cannoli	Similar to the traditional cannoli, but with mini chocolate chips mixed into the ricotta filling.
Pistachio Cannoli	A delightful twist on the classic recipe, featuring a pistachio-flavored ricotta filling.
Amaretto Cannoli	A more adult version, as this cannoli is filled with a mixture of ricotta and amaretto liqueur.

No matter the variety, cannoli are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and transport you to the streets of Sicily with their authentic flavors.

Ingredients and Tools for Homemade Cannoli

Homemade Cannoli Ingredients

Ingredients	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons, cold and cubed
Kosher salt	1/4 teaspoon
Marsala wine (or substitute)	1/2 cup
Ricotta cheese	1 cup, strained
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Optional toppings (mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts)	As desired

Homemade Cannoli Tools

Tools
Food processor
Instant thermometer
Round cookie cutters
Cannoli forms

Making Cannoli Shells

One of the key elements of a delicious homemade cannoli is the crispy shell. Creating the perfect cannoli shell requires a few simple steps that will leave you with a light and crunchy vessel to hold your creamy filling.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup marsala wine
• Egg white for sealing the shells
• Vegetable oil for frying

In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles small crumbles. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and marsala wine together. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients while pulsing, until the dough comes together in a ball.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for one hour in the refrigerator.

After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion thinly on a floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out rounds of dough. The size of the rounds will depend on the size of your cannoli forms.

Take a round of dough and wrap it around a cannoli form, overlapping the edges slightly. Brush one edge with egg white and press to seal the dough. Repeat with the remaining rounds.

Fill a deep pot or skillet with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the wrapped cannoli forms into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry the shells until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Using tongs, remove the shells from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil. Once they are cooled, gently slide the shells off the forms. Repeat the frying process with the remaining shells.

Now you have a batch of homemade cannoli shells ready to be filled with the delicious ricotta filling. The crispy texture of these shells, combined with the creamy filling, will create a delightful dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Making the Cannoli Filling

Now that you have prepared the crispy cannoli shells, it’s time to focus on the delicious filling that will complete these homemade delights. The cannoli filling is the heart and soul of these delightful treats, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

To create the perfect cannoli filling, you will need:

• Strained ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Begin by combining the strained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. The ricotta cheese should be smooth and creamy, free from any excess liquid. Mixing these ingredients together will result in a light and luscious filling that perfectly complements the crispy cannoli shells.

To achieve a velvety texture, take the time to whip the mixture until it’s smooth and free from any lumps. This step will ensure a heavenly filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Tip: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, consider adding optional toppings. Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be folded into the filling, enhancing the overall taste and providing a delightful crunch.

Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a piping bag for easy and precise filling of the cooled cannoli shells. Gently pipe the filling into the shells, ensuring that each shell is generously and evenly filled.

Alternatively, you can leave the filling plain and allow each person to add their desired toppings when serving. This interactive approach adds a personalized touch to your cannoli experience.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar just before serving. This optional step adds an extra layer of indulgence to these already delectable treats.

Now that you have prepared both the homemade cannoli shells and the delicious filling, all that’s left to do is savor every delicious bite. With their crispy shells and creamy ricotta filling, these homemade cannolis are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

Conclusion

Making homemade cannoli is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a classic Italian dessert right at home. The crispy shell and creamy ricotta filling make cannoli a delightful treat for any occasion. By following this homemade cannoli recipe and using the right ingredients and tools, you can create cannolis that rival those from an Italian bakery.

So why wait? Start making your own homemade cannoli today and indulge in the sweet flavours of Italy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these cannolis are sure to impress. With their irresistible combination of crunchy and creamy textures, they are a perfect ending to any meal.

Don’t miss out on the chance to savor this classic Italian dessert. Whip up a batch of homemade cannoli and experience the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Your friends and family will be delighted when you serve them these delectable treats. So gather your ingredients, grab your tools, and let’s get baking!