The Godfather’s Cannoli

There’s something truly magical about the combination of a crisp, flaky pastry shell filled with rich, velvety ricotta cream – yes, we’re talking about The Godfather’s Cannoli. This classic Italian dessert has been winning hearts and satisfying sweet cravings for generations.

If you want to impress your family and friends with a homemade cannoli that rivals the best Italian bakeries, you’ve come to the right place!

In the spirit of beloved food blogs like Love and Lemons and Smitten Kitchen, we’re here to guide you on a culinary journey to create the most delectable cannoli that will transport you straight to the heart of Sicily.

Pastry Perfection

Let’s start with the star of the show – the pastry shell. Achieving that delicate, crispy texture is all about using the right ingredients and technique. Our secret tip? Adding a touch of white wine to the dough not only gives it an incredible depth of flavor but also ensures a beautifully light and crispy texture.

Fill Your Heart with Ricotta

Next up is the luxurious, velvety ricotta filling that makes every bite of cannoli an absolute delight. The key to a heavenly ricotta cream is straining the ricotta to remove excess liquid, resulting in a thick and creamy texture that holds its shape when piped into the shells. Don’t forget to add a generous helping of mini chocolate chips for that extra touch of indulgence.

Finishing Touches

No cannoli is complete without a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios on each end. These finishing touches not only make the dessert look utterly irresistible but also add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Now that you’re armed with the secrets to crafting the perfect cannoli, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Trust us when we say that the fruits of your labor will be well worth the effort. One bite of your homemade Godfather’s Cannoli, and you’ll be transported to the sun-soaked streets of Sicily, leaving you longing for just one more taste of this divine dessert.

The Godfather’s Cannoli

Course: DessertCuisine: Italian

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Indulge in a taste of Italy with these irresistibly crispy and creamy homemade cannoli.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup white wine

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta, strained

• 1 cup powdered sugar, divided

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, white wine, and melted butter to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch circles using a round cookie cutter or glass. Reroll scraps and continue cutting out circles until all dough is used.
• Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 360°F. Fry dough circles in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
• In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
• Using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, pipe the ricotta filling into the cooled cannoli shells, filling each from both ends.
• Dust the filled cannoli with the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
• Garnish the ends of the cannoli with chopped pistachios.
• Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving for optimal texture.

Notes

• For a different twist, try dipping the ends of the cannoli in melted chocolate instead of chopped pistachios.
• You can also experiment with flavored ricotta, such as orange or lemon zest, to add a fruity touch to the filling.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and brown within a few seconds.

The Godfather’s Cannoli pairs exceptionally well with a variety of Italian dishes. For a complete Italian experience, start with a classic appetizer like bruschetta or caprese salad. Follow with a main course featuring a flavorful pasta dish, such as fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti Bolognese. A glass of red or white Italian wine will complement the meal beautifully.

If you’re looking to serve the cannoli with a dessert beverage, consider a traditional Italian espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. The combination of the rich, creamy cannoli and a warm, bold espresso or a fruity dessert wine will create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures that will have you dreaming of Italy.