The Best Traditional Italian Cannoli Recipe with Ricotta Filling

If you're craving a delightful dessert with rich flavors and a crispy texture, look no further than the classic Italian cannoli. This iconic pastry features a crunchy shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese and is often garnished with chocolate chips, pistachios, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Follow this traditional Italian cannoli recipe to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients for the Cannoli Shell

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • ½ cup Marsala wine (or dry white wine)
  • Oil for frying

Ingredients for the Ricotta Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions for the Cannoli Shell

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolk, vinegar, and Marsala wine.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
  6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature.

Shaping and Frying the Cannoli Shells

  1. After resting, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  2. Using a pastry cutter, cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter.
  3. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges using a little water.
  4. In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully fry the wrapped tubes until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Remove the shells from oil and drain on paper towels. Once cool, carefully slide them off the tubes.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  3. For added texture, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios.

Filling the Cannoli

To fill the cannoli, use a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully fill each cannoli shell, allowing some filling to overflow slightly for an authentic touch. Dip the ends in additional chocolate chips or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving and Storing Cannoli

Serve the filled cannoli immediately for the best texture. They can be dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. If you're making them ahead of time, store the shells and filling separately in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Final Thoughts

This traditional Italian cannoli recipe captures the essence of Italy with its luscious ricotta filling and crispy shell. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, these cannoli are sure to be a hit! Enjoy making and sharing this beloved dessert with your loved ones.