How to Make Authentic Cannoli Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a fan of Italian desserts and love to try out new recipes? If yes, then making cannoli shells is something you must give a shot. These iconic crispy and crunchy shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese filling are a popular dessert across the world. Making cannoli shells from scratch may seem daunting at first, but it is not as difficult as it appears. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to make cannoli shells at home.

First and foremost, the key to making perfect cannoli shells is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. To make the shell, you will need flour, sugar, butter, egg yolk, white wine, and cinnamon. Mix all these ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough until it is smooth. Divide the dough into two balls and roll them out until they are thin. Cut the dough into rounds and wrap them around a cannoli mold. Finally, deep-fry the shells until they are golden brown and crispy. With this basic recipe, you can make delicious cannoli shells that will impress your guests at any dinner party or potluck.

7 Simple Steps to Create Perfect Cannoli Shells

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start crafting your cannoli shells, you need to ensure your kitchen is stocked with all the right ingredients. These include flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. You also need some Marsala wine, which is essential for its unique flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl, and then add the butter and Marsala wine. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, and then wrap it in cling film and refrigerate it for an hour. This will make it much easier to handle when forming the shells.

Step 3: Divide the Dough

Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and roll it flat until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Then use a fluted cutter to cut out circles, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 circles from this amount of dough.

Step 4: Shape the Shells

Take each circle of dough and wrap it around a cannoli tube, pressing the edges together so they seal. If necessary, you can use a little water to help the dough stick. You should end up with a long, tubular shape, that can be deep fried and filled with delicious custard.

Step 5: Heat Up the Oil

To deep fry the shells, you’ll need to have the right oil temperature. We recommend heating up around 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok, to a temperature of about 375°F. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shells will absorb too much oil and be greasy.

Step 6: Fry the Shells

Carefully lower each shell into the hot oil, and use a slotted spoon to gently turn them over after about 30 seconds. Keep frying them for a total of 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Once they’re done, take them out with the slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Step 7: Fill and Enjoy!

After the shells have cooled for a few minutes, you can remove the cannoli tubes and fill the shells with your favorite cream or custard filling. Ricotta cheese filling is a popular choice, but you can also use chocolate, vanilla or other flavors. Finally, dust the finished cannoli shells with powdered sugar and enjoy!

The Ingredients

Before you start making cannoli shells, you need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For the dough, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (at room temperature), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 2 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of white wine or marsala.

Preparing the Dough

To make the dough, start by sifting the flour and mixing it with the sugar, salt, and cinnamon powder. Add the butter and use your fingers to combine it with the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, add the egg yolks and white wine or marsala and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water.

Shaping the Dough

Once you have made the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. After that, roll the dough into thin sheets (about 1/8 inch thick) and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. The circles should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Wrapping the Dough on Cannoli Tubes

To shape the cannoli shells, wrap the circles of dough around metal cannoli tubes that have been lightly greased or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Overlap the edges of the dough slightly and press them together to seal.

Frying the Shells

Next, heat up a large pot of oil (peanut or vegetable oil works best) to 375°F. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the wrapped cannoli tubes in the oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Removing the Shells from the Tubes

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the shells from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, gently slide the cannoli tubes out of the shells.

Filling the Cannoli Shells

Now that you have your cannoli shells, it’s time to fill them. You can use a piping bag to fill them with your favorite filling, like ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, chocolate, or pastry cream.

Garnishing the Cannoli Shells

After filling the cannoli shells, you can garnish them with powdered sugar, chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or any other toppings you like. Get creative and have fun with your cannoli creations!

Storing the Cannoli Shells

If you’re not going to use the cannoli shells right away, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to fill them with your desired filling right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making cannoli shells may seem intimidating at first, but with these simple steps, you’ll be able to master this Italian classic in no time. Remember to have fun and experiment with different fillings and garnishes to create your perfect cannoli shells. Happy baking!

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Cannoli Shells

Now that you have an idea of the basic steps in making cannoli shells, it’s time to focus on the ingredients. The right ingredients can make a huge difference in the texture, flavor, and overall quality of your pastry. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing your ingredients:

Flour

The first thing you need for making cannoli shells is flour. Not just any kind of flour, but a specific type that is perfect for pastry. You’ll need all-purpose flour. It has just the right amount of protein to make a crisp dough that doesn’t get too tough.

Egg

As with any pastry, eggs play an important role in the dough for cannoli shells. The egg provides some of the moisture needed to make the dough pliable, but it’s also the ingredient that makes the cannoli shells golden brown as they bake in the oven. You’ll need one large egg.

Wine

Making the dough for cannoli shells isn’t just about flour and eggs. Traditional cannoli shells call for a small amount of wine or vinegar in the dough. This helps to create a tender dough that is easy to roll out and shape, but also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweet filling. Use a half cup of sweet Marsala wine.

Sugar

You’ll need to add sugar to the dough to give it that sweet flavor that contrasts with the richness of the filling. It also adds to the texture of the cannoli shell, contributing to a golden brown and crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. You’ll need one tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Oil

Oil is also critical in the making of cannoli shells. The oil is used to help hold the shell’s shape during the frying process, and to give it a slightly crispy texture. Vegetable oil is recommended and use about three cups of oil for frying.

So, with all the right ingredients in hand, you’re ready to make your cannoli shells. Remember, the key to a good cannoli shell is a perfect balance of crispiness and flakiness, with just a hint of sweetness. With practice, you can master the art of making the perfect cannoli shells for all your Italian inspired events.

That’s a Wrap!

And that’s how you make cannoli shells, folks! It may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll become a cannoli-making master in no time. I hope this article has been helpful and interesting for you. Thanks for taking the time to read it, and be sure to check back for more tasty recipes and culinary advice. Until next time, happy cooking!