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How to Make Cannoli - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cannoli, the beloved Italian dessert, has been a favorite treat for centuries. With its crispy shell and delectable filling, cannoli is a delightful indulgence that has won the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. This iconic Sicilian pastry is characterized by its tube-shaped shell, usually made of fried pastry dough, and filled with a rich, sweetened ricotta cheese mixture. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert or a special treat, cannoli is a truly irresistible delight.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons shortening
  • ½ cup sweet Marsala wine
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
  • 1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained
  • ½ cup confectioners' sugar
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 30
  • Yield: 30 cannoli

  • Make shells: Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening until crumbly.
  • Make a well in the center and add Marsala wine, water, vinegar, egg, and egg yolk.
  • Mix with a fork until the dough becomes stiff, then finish kneading it by hand on a clean surface, adding a bit more water if needed for about 10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Divide cannoli dough into three balls; flatten each one just enough to get through the pasta machine. Roll a ball of dough through successively thinner settings until you have reached the thinnest setting. Dust lightly with flour if necessary.
  • Place the sheet of dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a cutter or large glass, cut out 4 to 5-inch circles.
  • Dust the circles with a light coating of flour. This will help you later in removing the shells from the tubes. Roll dough around cannoli tubes, sealing the edge with a bit of egg white. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Fry shells on the tubes in hot oil, a few at a time, until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use tongs to turn as needed. Remove shells carefully using tongs, and place them on a cooling rack set over paper towels.
  • Cool just long enough that you can handle the tubes, then carefully twist the tube to remove the shell. Using a tea towel may help you get a better grip. Wash or wipe off the tubes, and use them for more shells. Cooled shells can be placed in an airtight container and kept for up to 2 months. You should only fill them immediately or up to 1 hour before serving.
  • Make filling: Mix ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar together in a large bowl until well combined. Fold in chocolate and lemon zest.
  • Transfer mixture into a pastry bag and pipe into shells, filling from the center to one end, then doing the same from the other side. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar to serve, if you like.

    • Nutrition

    402 cal.

    • Total Fat: 35g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 22mg
    • Sodium: 43mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 86mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 59mg

    Categories

    Traditional recipes
    Chocolate recipes
    Pistachio recipes
    Ricotta recipes
    Fruit recipes