Classic Italian Ricotta Cream Cannoli (or Cannonicini)

Ingredients

For the Cannoli Shells

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, adds depth)

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (Marsala is traditional; for non-alcoholic use white vinegar for similar crispness)

  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten (for sealing)

  • 4–6 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

For the Ricotta Cream Filling

  • 2 lbs (900 g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well (ideally overnight in the fridge)

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)

  • 2–4 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional, but classic)

  • 2–4 tbsp finely diced candied orange peel (optional, but classic)

  • Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)

For Dusting

  • Additional powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Cannoli tubes (cylindrical for traditional cannoli or conical for cannolicini)

  • Deep pot or Dutch oven for frying

  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer

  • Paper towels

  • Pastry bag with a wide round tip (or a Ziploc bag with corner snipped)

Instructions

 

 

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