Cannoli Siciliani

Ever since I’ve tried cannoli for the first time in Italy I’ve been eager to try them at home. I really like to take on new cooking challenges as once fulfilled they bring me a lot of satisfaction. I kind of stay away from fried desserts but these Cannoli Siciliani got my attention and I knew I had to try them out sooner or later. And I am glad I did because I simply love them. These crispy pastry tubes are filled with a flavorful ricotta filling and dipped in chopped crunchy pistachios. Their beautiful flavor and texture combination is irresistible and you can hardly stop from eating just one.

Cannoli Siciliani is the kind of dessert that you can easily prepare in advance as you can prepare the shells even a week before serving. Every time, fill the shells only before serving so you can enjoy the crispy texture of the shells along with the smooth ricotta filling and crunchy nuts. You can always make variations to the ricotta filling, adding chocolate chips, candied fruits, different types of nuts, or whatever you like best.

How to make Cannoli Siciliani

Begin by preparing the shell dough. In a bowl add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. The butter is incorporated into the dry ingredients, using a fork or a pastry blender, until delightful crumbs form. Add egg and Marsala wine into the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Shape the dough into a ball and place in the refrigerator  where it needs to rest for an hour. 

In the meantime, prepare the ricotta filling. Place the ricotta cheese in a sieve, allowing any excess moisture to drain away in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Transfer it to a bowl where you add powdered sugar and vibrant lemon or orange zest. Combine these ingredients and  refrigerate until ready to use.

How to shape the cannoli shells

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough until it reaches a thinness of approximately 1/16 inch (1-2 mm). Carefully, cur circles measuring 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Reroll the dough until every last bit of dough has been used.

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer until it reaches 320-350°F (160-180°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels and lightly grease the cannoli tubes with oil.

Next, roll each circle of dough into a 4.5-inch (12 cm) oval shape. Wrap the oval dough around the cannoli tube, brush one edge with egg white, then overlap the edges and press gently to seal them.

Once the oil is hot, place 2 or 3 cannoli at a time into the oil and fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown, making sure to rotate them for even cooking. Place over a paper towel once ready. 

Place the ricotta filling into a piping bag fitted with a large tip and fill each cannoli shell. Dip each end in chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar.

Hope you’ll try them out and enjoy! Don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram posts or stories, so I can see your amazing results. 

If you like fried desserts you may also like to try these Homemade Eggless Churros. They are an amazing and delightful treat, consisting of strips of fried dough that are coated into a sugar and cinnamon mixture and served dipped in chocolate sauce or dulce de leche. 

For more similar desserts check our full collection of Fried Desserts.

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