Cannoli(Cheese Filled Pastry; Italy)
Cream-filled Italian pastries with crisp shells and sweet ricotta filling, perfect for special occasions or dessert lovers seeking a rich, flavorful treat with hints of orange and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients together.
- Rub the shortening into the dry ingredients until it resembles a fine meal.
- Beat the eggs, orange flavoring, and water together on high speed.
- Add this to the meal-like mixture and mix together.
- Even though it seems dry, do not add more liquid.
- Turn this out onto a floured board and knead until a smooth ball is formed.
- Let the dough rest about a half hour, then roll into a thin sheet of dough, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut into strips the size of the desired shells.
- Wrap each strip around a metal or wooden form and seal edges with water.
- Fry in deep hot fat at 360°F until brown.
- Cool the shells and fill with whipped ricotta cream, sweetened to taste and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
- Roll the filled cannoli in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier cannoli shell, consider chilling the dough before rolling it out. If you don't have orange flavoring, a splash of vanilla or almond extract can be a great substitute. When frying, ensure the oil is at the right temperature; too hot will burn the shells, while too cool will lead to greasy results. To enhance the flavor, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cannoli as a delightful dessert after an Italian meal or alongside a cup of espresso for a perfect finish. They pair beautifully with Cheese Lover'S White Pizza or can be enjoyed at a festive gathering. For a touch of elegance, garnish with chocolate chips or pistachios on the ends of the filled cannoli.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. If filled, keep the filling separate and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the shells, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes, but avoid reheating filled cannoli, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cannoli(Cheese Filled Pastry; Italy) contains roughly 267 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cannoli dough a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out. This can help manage your time better when preparing for gatherings or special occasions.
What is the best way to fill the cannoli?
Filling cannoli is best done right before serving to keep the shells crispy. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the shells, ensuring to fill both ends for even distribution. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate or fruit-flavored ricotta, to suit your taste.
How can I make the filling less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the filling, simply decrease the amount of sugar used when sweetening the ricotta. Adding a pinch of salt can also balance the flavors. Alternatively, incorporate a bit of mascarpone cheese, which is less sweet and adds a creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).