How to Make a Cannoli

Close your eyes and think of scrumptious desserts you would find in an Italian Bakery. I bet an image of a Cannoli is one of the dessert items that pops into your head. Oh there is nothing more satisfying then a creamy Cannoli straight from Italy. It is actually very simple to make and I’ll share with you how!

First you’re going to need to make a trip to the grocery store. You will need:

• Flour
• Cocoa
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking Powder
• Shortening
• Wine
• Pistachio nuts, (optional)
• Ricotta Cheese
• Milk
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla
• Semi sweet chocolate chips

Once you have all the ingredients you are ready to start cooking! Making Cannoli’s is broken down into two steps the Cannoli shell and the filling. First we will start making the shell.

Cannoli Shell
In a bowl mix 1 ½ cups flower, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Slowly work in 2 tablespoons shortening and ½ cup wine. Use your hands if you want, baking is always more fun when we get a little messy!

Once the dough looks well mixed break off a piece about the size of a nickel and roll it out until the dough is so thin you can almost see through it without breaking. Place the dough around a Cannoli tube and pinch the ends together at the top.

The final step is to deep fry the shell in shortening until it is nicely browned. Once removed, place the shell on a paper towel to cool. When the shell is cool enough to touch, carefully remove the tubes from the Cannoli by pushing the tub through. Remember to be careful you don’t want to break it!!

Step one is complete! Was that as difficult as you originally thought? This next part is even easier!

Cannoli Filling
Bring 2 ½ cups milk to a boil over low heat on the stove. Add 8 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 ½ cups sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla making sure to mix well while adding each ingredient. Cook the mixture for 30 minutes then set it aside to cool. This will allow the filling to thicken creating custard.

In a separate bowl beat 3 pounds ricotta cheese with a blender until creamy. When the custard you made earlier has cooled add it to the cheese along with 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips. Beat the mix again until the mixture is fluffy.

The last step is to combine the shell and the filling. Fill the shell from both ends making sure the filling is packed in and you have finished making a Cannoli!

Finishing Touch
From here is where this recipe can be made your own. I personally like to dip the ends in the semi sweet chocolate chips we added to the filling and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Another way to do it is to dip the ends in pistachio nuts, melted chocolate, or anything else you can think of. It is your opportunity to be creative!

I hope this showed how easy making Cannoli’s really is and gets everyone excited to go try out the recipe! Let me know what you think!!