Indulge in the authentic taste of Italy with this delightful homemade cannoli recipe. Crispy, fried pastry shells filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling, these cannoli are sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results. Enjoy the timeless flavors of cannoli right in your own home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the Marsala wine while stirring, until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of about 4 inches in diameter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the dough circles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
- Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each cooled shell with the ricotta mixture from both ends.
- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cannoli originated in Sicily and are an iconic Italian dessert.
Marsala wine is a traditional ingredient in cannoli dough, adding a unique flavor.
The word 'cannoli' means 'little tube' in Italian, referring to its shape.
Cannoli were traditionally prepared for Carnevale, an Italian festival before the fasting period of Lent.