Cream-Filled Cannolis Recipe
Indulge in one of the most iconic Italian pastries – Cream-Filled Cannolis. A favorite of dessert lovers the world over, cannolis boast a perfect combination of crisp pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet, and flavorful ricotta mixture. Whether you are hosting a get-together or just keen to explore the realm of Italian classic desserts, this recipe is your gateway to creating a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a baking adventure that brings the authentic taste of Sicily to your kitchen!
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Brush
- Whisk
- Piping Bag with Large Tip
- Round Cookie Cutters
- Rolling Pin
- Slotted Spoon
Total estimated time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- For the Cannoli Shells:
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 30g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 2g (1/4 tsp) salt
- 15g (1 tbsp) cocoa powder
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Marsala wine or dry white wine
- 1 egg white, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Ricotta Filling:
- 450g (2 cups) ricotta cheese, drained
- 100g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 100g (1/2 cup) mini chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
- 50g (1/4 cup) chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the 250g of all-purpose flour, 30g of granulated sugar, 2g of salt, and 15g of cocoa powder. Add the 60g of chilled and cubed unsalted butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the egg yolk and 120ml of Marsala wine or dry white wine, mixing until a dough forms. Knead gently until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
While the dough is chilling, combine the 450g of drained ricotta cheese, 100g of powdered sugar, and 5ml of vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in the 100g of mini chocolate chips and zest of 1 orange. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Roll Out and Shape the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch). Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough. Wrap each circle around a cannoli mold, sealing the edge with beaten egg white.
Step 4: Fry the Cannoli Shells
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Carefully fry the dough-wrapped molds in small batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shells and let them drain on paper towels. Gently slide the shells off the molds when cool enough to handle.
Step 5: Fill the Cannoli
Using a piping bag fitted with a large tip, fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. Pipe from the center to each edge for an even fill.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Optionally, dip the ends of each cannoli in chopped pistachios and serve dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy these bites of creamy, crunchy perfection!
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the art of making Cream-Filled Cannolis! With a crunchy outer shell and a rich, sweet filling, these treats are the perfect way to end any meal on a high note. Buon appetito!
Ingredients
- Traditional cannoli shells
- Ricotta cheese for classic filling
- Cream cheese for a twist on the filling
- Various flavored creams for experimentation
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate chips or candied fruit for garnish (optional)
Embrace the art of making traditional cream-filled cannolis! These Italian treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and enchanting your guests with their delightful texture and flavor. Explore variations by experimenting with new fillings like cream cheese or flavored creams to make each cannoli batch uniquely yours. Enjoy the fruits of your culinary adventure, and share the love with family and friends. Buon appetito!
Crafting cannolis allows you to be creative with the ingredients. Whether you’re aiming for the authentic ricotta filling or branching out with cream cheese and flavored creams, the possibilities are endless. Remember to dust each cannoli with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness, and consider adding chocolate chips or candied fruit as a garnish for a colorful and tasty finish.
To delve deeper into the world of cannolis and find more inspiration for your next batch, check out some of our other articles on Italian desserts or visit a classic recipe collection. If you’re looking for high-quality ingredients, our recommended supplier has everything you need at this link.

Don’t forget to share your homemade cannolis on social media and tag us so we can see your amazing creations. Whether you stick to tradition or venture into new filling territories, your cannolis are sure to be a hit. Happy baking and enjoy every bite of your handmade delicacies!