Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert featuring crispy shells filled with a smooth ricotta filling. This Best Cannoli Recipe offers an easy way to make this beloved treat at home, with tips for crispy shells and a flavorful filling. Perfect for any occasion, serve these delightful cannoli freshly filled for the best taste and texture.

Crispy Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert that consists of a crispy, fried pastry shell filled with creamy, sweetened ricotta. This Best Cannoli Recipe will guide you through making this delightful treat at home, with tips on achieving the perfect texture for both the shells and filling. Whether you’re making cannoli for a celebration or just to indulge in a special treat, this recipe ensures authentic flavors with a simple process.
What is Cannoli?
Cannoli is an iconic Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. Known for its signature crispy pastry shell and smooth, creamy filling, it’s a staple in Italian cuisine. The shells are fried until golden and crisp, while the ricotta filling is lightly sweetened and often mixed with chocolate chips or pistachios. It’s traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar, making it a visually and tastefully indulgent dessert.

How Should Cannoli Taste?
A perfect cannoli should have a crisp, flaky shell that contrasts with the smooth, creamy filling inside. The ricotta filling should be slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla, and optional ingredients like chocolate chips or pistachios can add extra texture. The key to the best cannoli is to fill the shells right before serving, ensuring they stay crispy.
Read More: Authentic Risotto alla Milanese Recipe: Creamy and Saffron-Infused Delight
Tips for Making the Best Cannoli
To make the perfect Cannoli, follow these tips:
- Drain the Ricotta Properly: Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese overnight. If it’s too wet, the filling will be runny and may make the shells soggy.
- Roll the Dough Thin: The thinner the dough, the crispier the cannoli shells will be. Aim for about 1/8 inch in thickness when rolling out the dough.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Fry the cannoli shells at 350°F for the perfect crispness. Frying at too low a temperature may result in oily shells.
- Fill Just Before Serving: To maintain the crispiness of the cannoli shells, always fill them just before serving. If filled too early, the moisture from the filling will soften the shells.

Cannoli Recipe
Equipment
- Cannoli molds or metal tubes
- Deep frying pan
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry bag (for filling)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Shells:
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup white wine or marsala wine
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- oil for frying
- powdered sugar for dusting
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional
- 1/4 cup mini cinnamon optional
- chopped pistachios or additional chocolate chips for garnish.
Instructions
- 1. Make the Dough for Cannoli ShellsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Add the egg, white wine (or marsala wine), and vinegar. Mix until a dough forms.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.2. Roll and Shape the DoughAfter the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface until it is very thin (about 1/8 inch thick).Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.Wrap each circle around a cannoli mold, overlapping the edges slightly, and seal with a little water.3. Fry the Cannoli ShellsHeat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).Fry the wrapped cannoli molds in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.Remove the shells from the oil and carefully slide them off the molds.Place the fried shells on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool completely.4. Prepare the Ricotta FillingIn a medium mixing bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.Stir in the mini chocolate chips and cinnamon if using.Transfer the filling to a pastry bag fitted with a round or star tip.5. Assemble the CannoliOnce the cannoli shells are cooled, pipe the ricotta filling into each shell, filling from both ends.Garnish the ends with chopped pistachios, extra mini chocolate chips, or dust the cannoli with powdered sugar.6. ServeServe the cannoli immediately for the crispiest texture. Enjoy as a delightful Italian dessert with coffee or after a meal!
Notes
- Drain Ricotta Well: Ensure that the ricotta is well-drained to avoid a runny filling. You can use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove excess moisture.
- Cannoli Shell Storage: Unfilled cannoli shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Only fill them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with water or juice, but the wine adds an authentic flavor and helps make the shells crispier.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the filling, such as adding orange zest, almond extract, or chopped candied fruit.
Conclusion
Cannoli is an elegant yet approachable dessert that everyone can enjoy. This Best Cannoli Recipe will give you crispy shells and a creamy ricotta filling, perfect for a special occasion or simply indulging in something sweet. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cannoli or like to experiment with flavors, this recipe provides a great foundation for making authentic Italian cannoli at home. Enjoy!