Cannoli are a beloved Sicilian dessert consisting of crispy, fried pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling. These delightful treats are perfect for special occasions or a delicious end to any meal. Follow this recipe to create authentic Sicilian Cannoli at home.
Ingredients:
For the Shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios (optional)
- Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Shells:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and Marsala wine, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead and Chill:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out 4-inch circles. Roll each circle into an oval shape.
- Form the Shells:
- Wrap each oval of dough around a metal cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
- Fry the Shells:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough-wrapped tubes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once cool, carefully remove the cannoli shells from the tubes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Mix the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel, if using.
- Fill the Cannoli:
- Just before serving, use a piping bag or spoon to fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and garnish the ends with chopped pistachios and additional mini chocolate chips, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cannoli are a delightful and iconic Sicilian dessert that combines crispy pastry shells with a sweet and creamy filling. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat, these cannoli bring the authentic taste of Sicily to your table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe. Buon appetito!