Cannoli are one of Italy’s most beloved desserts, famous for their crisp, golden-brown pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling often studded with chocolate chips or candied citrus. Originating in Sicily, cannoli have become an iconic treat enjoyed worldwide, representing the perfect balance of texture and flavour. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic homemade cannoli, capturing the true essence of this classic Italian pastry in your own kitchen.
What makes cannoli so special is the contrast between the crunchy shell and the smooth, lightly sweetened ricotta filling. While they may seem intimidating to prepare at home, making cannoli from scratch is deeply rewarding and surprisingly achievable with the right techniques. From rolling and frying the shells to preparing a rich filling with hints of vanilla and orange zest, every step brings you closer to authentic Sicilian flavours.
Whether you’re preparing desserts for a special dinner, hosting a holiday celebration, or simply craving a sweet treat that feels indulgent and elegant, homemade cannoli are always a showstopper. They’re proof that the best desserts combine tradition, texture, and simplicity for a result that everyone will love.
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Best Time To Eat
Cannoli are best enjoyed as a dessert after lunch or dinner, during festive gatherings, or as a special sweet treat with coffee in the afternoon when you crave something light yet decadent.
Best Dishes To Partner
Serve your cannoli with espresso, cappuccino, or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato d’Asti. For a full Italian dessert spread, pair them with tiramisu, panna cotta, or almond biscotti for an elegant and memorable ending to any meal.
One of the most heated debates among cannoli lovers is whether the filling should be made exclusively with ricotta or if mascarpone can be used as a substitute. Purists argue that ricotta gives the authentic flavor and texture, while others embrace mascarpone for a smoother, richer result.
There’s also disagreement about when to fill the shells. Traditionalists insist on filling them right before serving to keep the shells perfectly crisp, but some bakeries pre-fill for convenience, which can lead to soggier shells—something that many aficionados see as a major flaw.
Finally, there’s the question of how far creativity should go. While classic cannoli feature a simple ricotta cream with chocolate chips or candied fruit, modern variations have introduced flavors like pistachio, salted caramel, and even matcha. Some see this as exciting innovation, while others feel it strays too far from the dessert’s Sicilian roots.
How to Make Canoli
Canoli Recipe Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
1/2 cup Marsala wine (substitute with any sweet white wine if Marsala is unavailable)
1 egg white (for sealing the edges)
Ingredients for Cannoli Filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese, strained overnight in the refrigerator
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
Optional: 1/4 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment:
Cannoli forms (metal tubes around which the dough is wrapped and fried)
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Step By Step How to Make Canoli
Make the Cannoli Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add Marsala wine, stirring until the dough begins to come together. You may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the dough’s consistency. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut the dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
Shape the Cannoli Shells
Wrap each dough circle around a metal cannoli form, sealing the edges with a dab of egg white. Make sure the edges are sealed well to prevent the shell from opening during frying.
Fry the Cannoli Shells
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan to 360°F (182°C). Fry the shells on the tubes, a few at a time, until golden and crispy, about 1 minute. Use tongs to carefully remove each shell and set aside to cool on paper towels. Carefully remove the tubes.
Prepare the Cannoli Filling
In a bowl, mix the strained ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and candied orange peel if using. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a wide nozzle.
Fill the Cannoli Shells
Once the shells have cooled, pipe the ricotta filling into each one from both ends, filling them completely.
Serve
Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the shells crisp.
Tips To Make Canoli
The dough should be stiff and smooth; if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. Maintain the oil temperature at 360°F to ensure the shells fry evenly and become crispy.
Fill the cannoli shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How Many Calories Have Canoli
Depending on the size and filling, each cannolo can range from approximately 250 to 500 calories.
Final Thoughts
Cannoli are the ultimate Italian dessert indulgence—crispy, golden shells giving way to a smooth, luscious ricotta filling. They’re a beautiful marriage of texture and flavor, capturing the essence of Sicilian baking traditions. With each bite, you get the delicate crunch of the pastry followed by the sweet creaminess of the filling, making it a dessert worth savoring slowly.
Making cannoli at home may seem intimidating at first, but it’s an immensely rewarding process. From rolling and frying the shells to piping in the rich filling, each step is a hands-on experience that pays off in pure culinary joy. The beauty of the recipe is that once you’ve mastered the basics, you can get creative with flavor variations and toppings.
In the end, homemade cannoli aren’t just about replicating a bakery favorite—they’re about bringing a piece of Sicily into your kitchen and creating something that feels truly special for your family and guests.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.