Cannoli

Cannoli are delightful Italian pastries you'll love! These crispy tubes are filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese and often sprinkled with chocolate chips or candied fruit. You can find them at Italian bakeries or make them at home for a fun family activity. They're perfect for parties, holidays, and special occasions. The shells stay crispy when you fill them just before serving, so they're always fresh and tasty. You can get creative with different fillings and toppings to make your own unique cannoli creations. There's so much more to discover about these little tubes of happiness!

Key Takeaways

• Cannoli are Italian pastry desserts consisting of crispy tube-shaped shells filled with sweet ricotta cream.
• Originating in Sicily, cannoli have become popular worldwide, especially in Italian-American communities.
• Traditional cannoli fillings include ricotta cheese, while modern variations may use mascarpone or custard.
• The shells are made from flour, sugar, butter, and wine, then fried until golden brown.
• Cannoli are best served fresh, with the shells filled just before eating to maintain crispness.

History

The history of cannoli stretches back to ancient Sicily, with roots in both Arab and Roman culinary traditions. You'll find that these sweet treats have been around for centuries, delighting people with their crispy shells and creamy fillings.

During the Middle Ages, cannoli became popular in Sicily's convents. The nuns would make them for special occasions like Carnival. You can imagine the excitement as people lined up to taste these delicious pastries! Cannoli is now a beloved traditional dessert in Sicily and beyond. In addition to being made for special occasions, they are also a popular treat enjoyed year-round. The recipe for making cannoli shells has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, much like a traditional pasta recipe.

Here's how cannoli spread across the world:

• Italian immigrants brought the recipe to America in the late 1800s
• Cannoli became a hit in Italian-American communities
• They gained popularity in other countries as people discovered their yummy taste

Fun fact: The word "cannoli" means "little tubes" in Italian. When you bite into one, you'll understand why they got this name!

Today, you can enjoy cannoli in many places:

• Italian bakeries
• Cafes
• Restaurants
• Even some grocery stores

Next time you see a cannoli, remember its rich history and enjoy every bite of this tasty treat!

Recipe

Cannoli, a beloved Italian dessert, has been delighting taste buds for centuries with its crispy shell and creamy filling. Originating in Sicily, these tube-shaped pastries have become a staple in Italian-American cuisine and are enjoyed worldwide. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the smooth, sweet interior makes cannoli a truly irresistible treat.

While traditionally filled with ricotta cheese, modern variations often incorporate mascarpone or even custard. The filling can be flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus zest, and sometimes includes chocolate chips or candied fruit. Making cannoli at home allows you to customize the flavors and create a dessert that's perfect for your palate.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 cups ricotta cheese, strained
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

To make cannoli, start by preparing the shell dough. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and wine, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

Rest the dough for an hour, then roll it out thinly and cut into ovals. Wrap these around cannoli tubes and deep-fry until golden brown. For the filling, mix strained ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then fold in chocolate chips.

Once the shells are cooled, pipe the filling into them just before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

For best results, fill the cannoli shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If you don't have cannoli tubes, you can create makeshift ones using aluminum foil wrapped around wooden dowels.

Ensure your ricotta is well-strained to avoid a watery filling. Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of liqueur to the filling.

Cooking Steps

Let's start making your cannoli!

You'll begin by mixing flour and sugar, then add ricotta and cinnamon to create a tasty dough.

Next, you'll roll the dough into tubes, fry them in oil until golden, and finally fill them with a creamy mixture for a delicious treat.

Step 1. Mix Flour and Sugar

Mixing the flour and sugar is a crucial first step in creating the perfect cannoli shell.

You'll want to start with a large mixing bowl and gather your ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt

First, measure out 2 cups of flour and pour it into your bowl. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and that pinch of salt.

It's time to mix!

Here's how to do it:

1. Use a whisk or fork to blend the dry ingredients.
2. Stir in a circular motion to distribute everything evenly.
3. Keep mixing until the sugar and salt are well incorporated.

You'll know you're done when the mixture looks uniform and there are no clumps.

This step is super important because it ensures your cannoli shells will have the right texture and sweetness.

Step 2. Add Ricotta and Cinnamon

The next crucial step in creating your cannoli filling is adding the ricotta and cinnamon. You'll want to make sure your ricotta cheese is nice and smooth before you start. Give it a good stir to get rid of any lumps.

Now, it's time to add the star ingredients:

• 2 cups of ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Gently fold these into your flour and sugar mixture. As you're mixing, you'll see the filling come to life with a creamy texture and a warm, spicy aroma. The cinnamon adds a cozy flavor that'll make your taste buds dance!

Don't overmix, though. You want to keep the filling light and fluffy. A few quick stirs should do the trick.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 3. Roll Dough Into Tubes

Having prepared the filling, it's time to focus on the cannoli shells. Rolling the dough into tubes is a fun and crucial step in making these delicious Italian treats. Here's how you'll do it:

1. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it out thin with a rolling pin.
3. Cut the dough into circles about 4 inches wide.

Now comes the exciting part! You'll shape these circles into the iconic cannoli tubes:

• Wrap each circle around a cannoli form (a metal tube).
• Seal the edges with a bit of egg white to make sure they stick.
• Gently press the seam to ensure it's closed tight.

As you work, you'll see the tubes taking shape. It's like magic!

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first few aren't perfect.

Once you've rolled all your tubes, you're ready for the next step: frying them to crispy perfection. Your family will love watching these shells transform into golden, crunchy vessels for that yummy filling you made earlier!

Step 4. Fry Tubes in Oil

Now that you've shaped your cannoli tubes, it's time to fry them to golden perfection. Get ready for some sizzling fun in the kitchen!

Here's what you'll need:

• A deep, heavy-bottomed pot
• Vegetable oil for frying
• A thermometer
• Tongs or a slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Follow these steps:

1. Fill your pot with about 3 inches of oil.
2. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use your thermometer to check!
3. Carefully lower 2-3 tubes into the hot oil.
4. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning them gently.
5. Watch as they turn a beautiful golden brown.
6. Remove the tubes with tongs and place them on paper towels.
7. Let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 5. Fill Tubes With Cream

After your crispy cannoli shells have cooled, it's time to fill them with luscious cream. Get ready for the most fun part of making cannoli!

You'll need:

• A piping bag or plastic bag with a corner cut off
• Your prepared cannoli cream
• The cooled cannoli shells

Here's what to do:

1. Fill your piping bag with the cream. If you're using a plastic bag, spoon the cream into it and squeeze it down to one corner.
2. Hold a cannoli shell in one hand and the piping bag in the other.
3. Gently insert the tip of the piping bag into one end of the shell.
4. Squeeze the cream into the shell, slowly pulling the bag out as you fill.
5. Once you reach the other end, give a little extra squeeze to create a pretty swirl.
6. Repeat with the other end of the shell.
7. Do this for all your shells.

Final Thoughts

The crispy shell and creamy filling of a cannoli make it a beloved Italian dessert worldwide.

You'll find these tasty treats at many Italian celebrations and family gatherings. They're perfect for holidays, weddings, or just as a special weekend treat!

Making cannoli at home can be a fun family activity. Here are some tips to remember:

• Always keep the shells crispy by filling them just before serving
• Get creative with your fillings – try chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit
• Dust the finished cannoli with powdered sugar for a pretty touch

Cannoli come in different sizes, from bite-sized minis to large, indulgent versions.

No matter the size, they're always a crowd-pleaser. You can even set up a cannoli bar at parties, letting guests fill their own shells with various cream flavors and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cannoli Be Frozen for Later Consumption?

You can freeze cannoli for later enjoyment, but it's not ideal. They'll lose their crispy texture and the filling may become watery. If you must, freeze the shells and filling separately, then assemble when you're ready to eat.

What's the Difference Between Sicilian and American-Style Cannoli?

You'll notice Sicilian cannoli are smaller with thicker shells, filled with pure ricotta. American-style versions are larger, often with softer shells and sweeter fillings that may include cream cheese or mascarpone. They're typically more heavily garnished.

Are There Any Vegan Alternatives for Traditional Cannoli Filling?

You can make vegan cannoli filling using alternatives like cashew cream, coconut cream, or silken tofu. Mix in sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings to mimic the traditional taste. Some recipes even use vegan cream cheese for added richness.

How Long Do Filled Cannoli Stay Fresh?

You'll want to eat filled cannoli quickly. They're best consumed within 1-2 hours of filling. If you must store them, keep them refrigerated and eat within 24 hours. After that, they'll start to lose their crispy texture.

What Are Some Unique Flavor Variations for Cannoli Filling?

You can try unique fillings like pistachio cream, chocolate hazelnut, lemon ricotta, or even savory options like smoked salmon. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors like matcha, lavender, or peanut butter for a twist.

Luca Moretti

Luca is our resident expert in Italian cuisine, with a deep love for fresh ingredients, classic pasta dishes, and rustic pizzas. He brings the heart of Italy to Cook if Ya, sharing recipes that highlight the simplicity and elegance of traditional Italian cooking, always paired perfectly with local wines.