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Golden crispy cannoli shells filled with rich white ricotta cream, garnished with chopped pistachios and chocolate chips, arranged on an elegant marble serving plate

Sicilian Cannoli

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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 cannoli
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Cannoli tubes
  • Deep heavy saucepan
  • Thermometer
  • Rolling pin
  • Piping bag
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Ingredients
  

For the Shells:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold, cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or marsala
  • 1 large egg white lightly beaten, for sealing
  • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Filling:

  • 2 lbs whole milk ricotta cheese drained
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup pistachios finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shell Dough:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Make a well in the center and add egg yolk and wine. Mix until a rough dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Prepare the Filling:

  • Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place ricotta inside. Set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to drain excess moisture.
  • Transfer drained ricotta to a large bowl. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Fold in chocolate chips and half the chopped pistachios. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Shape and Fry the Shells:

  • Remove dough from refrigerator and divide into 4 portions. Working with one portion at a time, roll dough paper-thin on a floured surface.
  • Cut into 4-inch circles using a large round cutter or bowl as a guide. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, overlapping edges slightly and sealing with beaten egg white.
  • Heat oil in a heavy saucepan to 375°F. Fry cannoli shells, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Using tongs, carefully remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before gently sliding off the tubes. Cool completely before filling.

Assemble the Cannoli:

  • Just before serving, transfer ricotta filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a spoon).
  • Pipe filling into both ends of each cannoli shell, filling completely but not overpacking.
  • Dip the ends in remaining chopped pistachios and arrange on a serving platter. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage tip: Unfilled shells keep in airtight container for up to 3 days. Never fill cannoli more than 30 minutes before serving to prevent soggy shells. For best results, chill filling for several hours before using to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSodium: 185mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g
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