Indulge in the classic Italian dessert with this easy-to-follow recipe for cream-filled cannoli. Crispy shells filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cannoli Shells:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup dry Marsala wine
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cannoli Shells:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and Marsala wine.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness.
- Cut out 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Wrap each circle around a cannoli form or a metal tube, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cannoli shells in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips, if desired.
- Assemble the Cannoli:
- Spoon the filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- Pipe the filling into each end of the cooled cannoli shells.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use sheep’s milk ricotta cheese.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice flavor.
- Garnish the cannoli with chopped pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or candied fruit.
- For a chocolate lover’s twist, dip the ends of the shells in melted chocolate before filling.
- Fill the cannoli shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Enjoy your homemade cream-filled cannoli!