Cannoli: Sweet Ricotta-Filled Pastry

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious Cannoli recipe! Cannoli is a traditional Sicilian pastry consisting of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta-based filling. This is a classic Italian dessert that is loved worldwide for its crispy shell and rich, decadent filling. Follow our recipe below to create your own homemade Cannoli that will surely impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1 egg white
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in the Marsala wine until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until very thin. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Wrap the dough around metal Cannoli tubes, sealing the edges with egg white.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the Cannoli shells until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes. Remove and let cool.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Fill a pastry bag with the ricotta filling and pipe it into the cooled Cannoli shells. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
7. Enjoy your homemade Cannoli as a delightful dessert that perfectly balances crispy, sweet, and creamy flavors!

What are Cannoli?

Answer:

Cannoli are traditional Italian pastries originating from Sicily. These delicious treats consist of tube-shaped fried pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy mixture, typically made with ricotta cheese.

What is the filling of Cannoli made of?

Answer:

The filling of Cannoli is primarily made of ricotta cheese, combined with sugar and sometimes flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or candied fruits. The creamy ricotta filling is a signature element of Cannoli.

How are Cannoli shells made?

Answer:

Cannoli shells are made by rolling out thin pastry dough, cutting it into circles, and then wrapping them around metal cannoli tubes. These tubes are then deep-fried until golden and crispy, creating the hollow, tube-shaped shells that are filled with the delicious ricotta mixture.