Authentic Sicilian Cannoli with Ricotta Filling
Indulge in the delightful taste of Authentic Sicilian Cannoli, a classic Italian dessert known for its crispy shell and luscious ricotta filling. This traditional recipe brings the charm of Sicily to your kitchen, featuring a combination of rich flavors from creamy ricotta, sweet confectioners' sugar, and aromatic orange zest, delicately wrapped in a thin, fried pastry shell. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends, these cannoli are sure to impress with their crisp texture and deliciously sweet filling.
16
Servings
230
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 3/4 cups (All-purpose flour, sifted)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated sugar)
salt
1 pinch (To taste)
melted butter
2 tablespoons (Unsalted butter)
marsala wine
3/4 cup (Sweet Marsala wine)
egg white
1 (For sealing the shells)
oil
As needed (For frying, preferably vegetable oil)
ricotta cheese
5 cups (Whole milk ricotta, drained)
confectioners' sugar
1 1/4 cups (Powdered sugar)
orange zest
1 (Grated zest from a fresh orange)
mini chocolate chips
To taste (Optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Shells: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate the melted butter and Marsala wine into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
2
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to rest.
4
Roll the dough out very thin, about 1/8-inch thick, using a pasta roller or a rolling pin.
5
Use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut the dough into rounds. Roll each round again to make it thinner if needed.
6
Wrap each round around a cannoli tube, ensuring it's tightly sealed with a little egg white at the edge.
7
In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each cannoli shell until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, turning until evenly cooked.
8
Remove the shells from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool completely before gently twisting the cannoli tubes to remove them.
9
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, grated orange zest, and mini chocolate chips. Mix by hand with a wooden spoon until smooth and well-blended.
10
Cover the filling and refrigerate until ready to use.
11
Use a pastry bag fitted with a plain or star tip to fill each cooled cannoli shell. Insert the tip into one end of the shell and squeeze filling until it reaches the other end, then repeat with the other side.
12
Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Sicilian cannoli!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
23g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Sicilian Cannolo?
It is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of a crispy, fried pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta-based filling.
What are the main ingredients for the cannoli shells?
The shells are made using all-purpose flour, sugar, a pinch of salt, melted unsalted butter, and sweet Marsala wine.
How thin should the cannoli dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled very thin, to a thickness of approximately 1/8-inch.
How long does the cannoli dough need to rest?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours before rolling.
What role does Marsala wine play in the dough?
Marsala wine provides a distinct aromatic flavor and helps the dough develop its characteristic bubbles when fried.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying cannoli shells?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the shells cook evenly and become golden brown.
How do you prevent cannoli shells from opening during frying?
Use a small amount of egg white on the edge of the dough round to seal it tightly around the cannoli tube.
How long do the shells need to fry?
Each shell takes approximately 2-3 minutes to fry until it reaches a perfect golden brown color.
When should the metal tubes be removed from the shells?
Allow the shells to cool completely before gently twisting the tubes to remove them.
What are the ingredients in the traditional filling?
The filling is made from drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, orange zest, and optional mini chocolate chips.
What kind of ricotta is best for cannoli?
Whole milk ricotta that has been well-drained is the best choice for a thick and creamy texture.
How should the ricotta filling be mixed?
Mix the ingredients by hand with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
How do you fill the cannoli shells without breaking them?
Use a pastry bag with a plain or star tip, inserting it into one end and then the other for an even fill.
Can the filling be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the filling should be covered and refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the cannoli.
How many cannoli does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 16 servings.
What is the calorie count for one Sicilian cannolo?
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.
Why is orange zest added to the filling?
Orange zest provides a bright, aromatic citrus note that balances the richness of the ricotta.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How do I make the dough smooth and elastic?
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I use a pasta roller to flatten the dough?
Yes, a pasta roller is an excellent way to ensure the dough reaches the necessary uniform thinness.
What size should the dough rounds be?
Use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut the dough into rounds.
What type of sugar is used in the shells versus the filling?
Granulated sugar is used in the shell dough, while confectioners' sugar is used in the filling.
Is the butter used in the dough cold or melted?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Should the shells be filled immediately after frying?
No, the shells must cool completely before being filled to prevent the filling from melting.
What is the best way to serve cannoli?
They are best served freshly filled and dusted with a light layer of confectioners' sugar.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the dry ingredients of the shell dough to enhance flavor.
Can I use mini chocolate chips in the filling?
Yes, mini chocolate chips are a popular optional addition for extra sweetness and texture.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 14g of fat.
How do you achieve a crisp texture in the shell?
The combination of thin rolling, Marsala wine, and frying at the correct temperature creates the crisp texture.
Are these cannoli suitable for special occasions?
Yes, their impressive look and traditional flavor make them perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.