17 Classic Italian Cannoli Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

The History of Cannolis

The Origin of Cannolis

Believed to have originated in Sicily, Italy, cannolis were traditionally made during carnival season as a symbol of abundance and fertility. The word "cannoli" comes from the Latin word "canna," which means "reed" or "tube," referencing the shape of the fried shell. Originally, the shells were made from rolled out pastry dough and then fried, while the filling was made from fresh ricotta cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Over the years, variations of the recipe have emerged, but the classic version remains a timeless favorite.

The Evolution of Cannolis

As Italians migrated to different parts of the world, so did the cannoli recipe. In the United States, Italian immigrants added their own twist to the classic recipe by incorporating chocolate chips, candied fruit, and other delicious fillings. Today, you can find a variety of creative cannoli fillings, such as pistachio, Nutella, and even savory options like goat cheese and honey. However, the classic Italian cannoli remains a must-try dessert for any food lover.

The Perfect Classic Italian Cannoli Recipe

Now that we've explored the history of cannolis, let's dive into the recipe for making the perfect classic Italian cannoli at home.

The Ingredients You'll Need

To make the cannoli shells, you'll need flour, sugar, salt, butter, egg yolks, white wine, and vegetable oil for frying. For the filling, you'll need fresh ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. You can also add your own twist to the filling by incorporating your favorite flavors.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and white wine. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture until a dough forms. 3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. 4. Cut the dough into circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass. 5. Wrap the dough circles around cannoli tubes or metal cannoli forms, sealing the edges with a little bit of egg wash. 6. Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 375°F and carefully fry the cannoli shells until they are golden brown. 7. Once cooled, remove the shells from the tubes and set aside. 8. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. 9. Using a pastry bag or a spoon, fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta filling. 10. Serve and enjoy your homemade classic Italian cannoli! In conclusion, the classic Italian cannoli is a timeless dessert that has evolved over the years but remains a staple in Italian cuisine. With a little bit of history and a step-by-step guide, you can now make your own delicious cannolis at home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this iconic dessert that will surely impress your family and friends.