Homemade Cannolis

Here’s a delicious homemade cannoli recipe for you!

Ingredients

For the Shells:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup white wine (Marsala wine is traditional, but any white wine will do)
• 1 egg white (for sealing the edges)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Making the Shells:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Wine: Stir in the egg yolk and enough wine to form a dough. The dough should be stiff but smooth.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for about 1 hour.
5. Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
6. Form Shells: Wrap each circle around a cannoli form (a metal tube). Brush the edges with the egg white to seal.
7. Fry Shells: Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shells until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove carefully and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool before removing the forms.

Making the Filling:

1. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel if using.
3. Chill Filling: Refrigerate the filling for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Assembling the Cannolis:

1. Fill Shells: Use a pastry bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off to pipe the filling into the cooled shells.
2. Dust and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Optionally, you can dip the ends of the cannolis in more mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios.

Enjoy your homemade cannolis!