Crunchy, creamy, and irresistibly sweet — an authentic taste of Italy right at home! 🇮🇹✨
If you’ve ever strolled through an Italian bakery, you’ve probably seen rows of golden pastry shells filled with creamy ricotta — the beloved cannoli. This traditional Sicilian dessert is everything a sweet treat should be: crisp on the outside, velvety smooth on the inside, and kissed with hints of vanilla, citrus, and chocolate.
The best part? You can make them right in your kitchen — no trip to Italy required! Whether you’re preparing dessert for a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love will make you feel like a pastry chef in no time. 🍮
🇮🇹 What Is a Cannoli?
Cannoli (singular: cannolo) are classic Italian pastries consisting of crispy, tube-shaped shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture. They originated in Sicily, where they were once considered a special treat for Carnival — but today, they’re enjoyed all year round.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, with subtle notes of citrus and vanilla — a true indulgence that feels both light and decadent.
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make authentic cannoli at home — broken into two parts: shells and filling.
🥖 For the Cannoli Shells
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
1 egg yolk
½ cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
Vegetable oil, for frying
🍦 For the Creamy Ricotta Filling
2 cups ricotta cheese (drained overnight if watery)
¾ cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional, but adds amazing flavor!)
🍳 How to Make Cannoli Step-by-Step
🥣 Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the egg yolk and Marsala wine, then mix until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this helps the dough relax and become easier to roll.
🍪 Step 2: Roll and Shape the Shells
Roll the chilled dough very thin (about 1/8 inch). Cut out circles about 4 inches wide using a cookie cutter or a glass.
Wrap each circle loosely around a metal cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little egg white.
💡 Hack Inside: Don’t have cannoli tubes? You can use cleaned metal pipes, or shape aluminum foil into a thick tube.
🔥 Step 3: Fry Until Golden
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each cannoli shell for about 1–2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
Use tongs to remove and place them on paper towels to drain. Let them cool completely before removing the tubes.
🍰 Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus zest until smooth and creamy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes so the mixture firms up slightly.
🧁 Step 5: Fill the Shells
Just before serving, use a piping bag (or a spoon) to fill both ends of each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture.
Dust generously with powdered sugar, and if desired, dip the ends in more mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always fill the shells right before serving — otherwise, they’ll lose their crunch.
🍫 Variations You’ll Love
You can get creative with your cannoli filling flavors and toppings! Try these fun twists:
🍓 Strawberry Cannoli
Fold diced strawberries or strawberry jam into the filling for a fruity twist.
☕ Espresso Cannoli
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the ricotta for a rich, coffee-flavored cream.
🍋 Lemon Cannoli
Use lemon zest and a few drops of lemon extract in the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
🧈 Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli
Dip the ends of each shell in melted chocolate before filling for an extra-decadent touch.
🕒 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Unfilled shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days — just stir before using.
Filled cannoli should be eaten within a few hours for maximum crispiness.
If you’re hosting a party, make the components in advance and fill just before serving. Your guests will be amazed at how fresh they taste!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Recipe
This isn’t just another dessert — it’s a moment of pure Italian joy. Here’s why this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love will become a household favorite:
🇮🇹 Authentic taste — crisp shells and rich ricotta filling, just like in Italy.
🕒 Easy to follow — step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners.
🍊 Customizable — mix up the flavors and toppings to suit your mood.
🎉 Perfect for any occasion — holidays, birthdays, or a cozy weekend treat.
🌸 Serving Ideas
Serve your homemade cannoli with:
A sprinkle of powdered sugar
A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce
A cup of espresso or cappuccino on the side ☕
A scoop of gelato for an indulgent Italian dessert duo 🍨
Arrange them on a platter with pistachios and orange slices for a stunning presentation.
✨ Conclusion: Delicious Cannoli Recipe You’ll Love!
Crisp, creamy, and full of Italian charm — this delicious cannoli recipe you’ll love proves that homemade desserts don’t have to be intimidating. With just a few simple steps, you can create bakery-quality cannoli right in your own kitchen.
From their golden, crunchy shells to the sweet ricotta filling, every bite is pure bliss. Whether you stick with the traditional version or add your own twist, these cannoli will steal the spotlight every time.
So go ahead — roll, fry, fill, and sprinkle! Because once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why everyone falls in love with cannoli. 💕
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