Crispy, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, cannoli are one of Italy’s most beloved desserts. With their crunchy shells and sweet ricotta filling, they strike the perfect balance between texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love brings authentic Italian bakery flavors right into your kitchen.
Don’t worry if cannoli sound intimidating—this guide breaks everything down into easy, achievable steps, along with tips to ensure success even for beginners.
What Are Cannoli?
Cannoli are traditional Italian pastries originating from Sicily. They consist of:
A fried pastry shell shaped like a tube
A smooth, lightly sweetened ricotta-based filling
Over time, cannoli have become popular worldwide, especially in Italian-American and Italian-Canadian communities, with countless variations to suit different tastes.
This delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love stays true to tradition while remaining approachable for home cooks.
Why Make Cannoli at Home?
While bakery cannoli are wonderful, homemade cannoli offer several advantages:
Fresh, crisp shells every time
Control over sweetness and flavor
Customizable fillings and toppings
A fun and rewarding baking experience
Impressive results for special occasions
Once you try homemade cannoli, you’ll appreciate just how special they can be.
Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Cannoli
For the Cannoli Shells
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or shortening
1 egg yolk
½ cup dry white wine or Marsala wine
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cannoli Filling
2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (well drained)
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped pistachios
Candied orange peel
Powdered sugar for dusting
Using quality ingredients is key to a delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love.
Step-by-Step Delicious Cannoli Recipe You’ll Love
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and wine, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Knead briefly, wrap in plastic, and let rest for 30–60 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Shells
Roll the dough thin (about 1/8 inch thick). Cut into circles or ovals. Wrap dough around metal cannoli tubes and seal edges with a little beaten egg white.
Step 3: Fry the Shells
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shells in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and cool completely before removing the molds.
Crisp shells are essential for any delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, mix drained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips or other add-ins if desired.
Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes for best texture.
Step 5: Fill the Cannoli
Just before serving, pipe the filling into both ends of each shell. Garnish the ends with nuts or chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar.
Filling right before serving keeps the shells crisp.
Tips for Perfect Cannoli Every Time
These practical tips ensure bakery-quality results:
Drain ricotta overnight for a thick, creamy filling
Roll dough very thin for extra crisp shells
Maintain consistent oil temperature
Never fill shells too early
Use a piping bag for neat presentation
These small details make a big difference in your delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love.
Common Cannoli Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using wet ricotta
❌ Overfilling the shells
❌ Frying at low oil temperature
❌ Skipping dough resting time
❌ Filling shells hours ahead
Avoiding these mistakes guarantees better flavor and texture.
Easy Cannoli Variations
Cannoli are wonderfully versatile. Try these popular twists:
Chocolate Cannoli
Add cocoa powder to the shell dough or use chocolate-flavored filling.
Pistachio Cannoli
Mix pistachio paste into the filling and garnish with chopped nuts.
Lemon Cannoli
Add lemon zest to the ricotta for a bright, fresh flavor.
Mini Cannoli
Use smaller molds for bite-sized desserts—perfect for parties.
Each variation keeps this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love exciting and customizable.
Serving Suggestions
Cannoli are perfect for many occasions:
Holiday dessert tables
Dinner parties
Weddings and celebrations
Italian-themed meals
Afternoon coffee or espresso
Serve with strong coffee, espresso, or dessert wine for a classic pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cannoli are best fresh, but planning ahead is possible.
Storage Guidelines
Store unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Refrigerate filling separately for up to 3 days
Fill shells just before serving
Avoid freezing filled cannoli
Proper storage preserves flavor and crunch.
Why This Cannoli Recipe Works
This delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love works because it:
Uses traditional techniques
Balances sweetness perfectly
Creates crisp, light shells
Allows flexible flavor options
Is achievable for home bakers
It delivers authentic results without unnecessary complexity.
Practical Tips for Busy Bakers
Make shells a day ahead
Prepare filling while shells cool
Use store-bought cannoli tubes
Keep garnish simple but elegant
Work in small batches
With a little organization, cannoli are surprisingly manageable.
Conclusion
Few desserts are as iconic and satisfying as cannoli. With crisp shells and creamy ricotta filling, this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love brings authentic Italian flavor straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re recreating a favorite bakery treat or discovering cannoli for the first time, this recipe proves that homemade desserts can be both impressive and approachable.