Cannoli (Canoli Filling and Shell Recipes) - Cooking Classy
The Cannoli is a traditional Italian pastry that is known and loved worldwide for its crispy shell and creamy filling. This delightful treat originated in Sicily and has gained popularity across the globe. Cooking Classy brings you an easy-to-follow recipe that will allow you to recreate this delectable dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and Marsala wine. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the cannoli filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is thin, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Wrap each circle of dough around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a dab of water. Gently place the prepared cannoli shells into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once the shells are completely cool, carefully remove them from the cannoli tubes.
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small star tip with the prepared cannoli filling. Pipe the filling into each end of the cannoli shells until completely filled.
- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
How to Prepare:
Prepare the dough by combining the dry ingredients and cutting in the butter. Add the egg yolk and Marsala wine, then knead the dough until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting circles for the shells.
While the dough rests, make the cannoli filling by mixing ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
Heat the oil and fry the prepared cannoli shells until crispy and golden brown. Allow them to cool before removing them from the tubes.
Fill a pastry bag with the cannoli filling and pipe it into the shells. Dust with powdered sugar and serve fresh.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Cannoli recipe is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the resting time for the dough.
Servings:
This recipe makes about 12 cannoli.
Nutrition Facts:
Each serving of Cannoli contains approximately:
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 7g
Tips:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the cannoli shells well before frying to prevent them from opening during cooking.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, dip the ends of the filled cannoli in melted chocolate and let it set before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Store any leftover cannoli shells in an airtight container to ensure they stay crispy.
- If desired, you can add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the cannoli filling for a hint of citrus flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I make the cannoli shells in advance? Yes, you can make the cannoli shells a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container until ready to fill and serve.
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? While ricotta is the traditional choice for cannoli filling, you can experiment with other soft cheeses such as mascarpone or cream cheese if desired.
- Can I freeze the cannoli? It is not recommended to freeze filled cannoli, as the texture and freshness may be affected. It is best to enjoy them fresh.
Indulge in the exquisite flavor and delightful texture of homemade Cannoli. Master this classic Italian dessert with Cooking Classy’s easy-to-follow recipe, and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Buon appetito!
