Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Authentic Italian Cannoli

These Authentic Italian Cannoli feature golden, crisp shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta. A timeless Sicilian dessert, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or an elegant treat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour active (plus prep)
  • Yield: 1012 cannoli 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp butter (no lard)
  • 1 egg
  • 23 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • Water (as needed for dough)
  • 1½ cups sheep’s milk ricotta (or well-drained cow’s milk ricotta)
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
  • Optional: mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, candied fruit
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: Combine dry ingredients. Mix in butter, egg, vinegar, and enough water to form dough. Knead, then chill 30 minutes.
  2. Shape & Fry: Roll dough thin, cut into circles, wrap around metal tubes, and seal. Deep-fry until golden. Cool and remove tubes.
  3. Make Filling: Drain ricotta overnight. Mix with sugar and vanilla. Fold in optional chocolate or fruit.
  4. Assemble: Pipe filling into cooled shells. Garnish ends. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
  • Author: Tom
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling and draining time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian / Sicilian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: authentic Italian cannoli, Sicilian pastry, ricotta dessert, crispy cannoli shells, homemade cannoli recipe

Index