Cannoli

Crisp cannoli shells piped full of sweet ricotta cream flavored with vanilla, orange and cinnamon, with mini chocolate chips and pistachios on the ends. Makes 12.

Vegetarian

Contains: milk, tree nuts, wheat. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 25 min
  • Drain ricotta 8 hr
  • Total 8 hr 25 min
  • Yield 12 cannoli
  • Level Intermediate

Updated

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Cannoli filled with ricotta cream, ends dipped in chocolate chips and pistachios, dusted with sugar

Cannoli are the famous pastry of Sicily: crisp fried shells filled with sweetened ricotta. The filling is the part to make at home, and draining the ricotta overnight is the secret to a thick, creamy cream that will not make the shells soggy.

Good bakery or store-bought shells make this easy. Fill them just before serving so they stay crisp.

Instructions

  1. Drain the ricotta. Line a strainer with cheesecloth or a paper towel, set it over a bowl, add the ricotta, cover and refrigerate overnight to drain.
  2. Make the filling. Beat the drained ricotta with the powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest and cinnamon until smooth. Fold in half the chocolate chips. Chill until ready to fill.
  3. Fill. Spoon the filling into a piping bag with a large tip. Pipe into each shell from both ends.
  4. Finish. Dip the ends in the remaining chocolate chips or the pistachios, dust with powdered sugar and serve right away.

Vegetarian

Tips

  • Fill the shells no more than an hour before serving.
  • Brush the inside of the shells with melted chocolate and let it set to keep them crisp longer.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead

The filling keeps covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; fill the shells no more than an hour before serving. Filled cannoli soften within hours and are best eaten the same day.

Questions about this recipe

Why drain the ricotta?
Ricotta holds a lot of liquid; draining it makes the filling thick and keeps the shells from going soft.
Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes, up to 2 days ahead, covered in the refrigerator.

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