Cannoli lovers in Birmingham, Michigan, rejoice! If you’ve been craving that perfect blend of crispy shell and creamy filling but don’t want to rely on store-bought options, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make your own. Homemade cannoli isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience.
Plus, this kind of treat makes holiday gatherings extra special. And guess what? This recipe is part of our Christmas Guide 2024—because nothing says festive like dessert done right.
What’s a Cannoli Anyway?
If you’re new to the world of cannoli, let’s break it down. A cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of a fried pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta-based filling. The shells are crispy and golden, while the filling is rich, smooth, and often flavored with vanilla, citrus, or chocolate. Some like to sprinkle powdered sugar on top or dip the ends in mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios. It’s indulgent, fun to make, and even more fun to eat.
The Recipe: Let’s Get Cooking!
Making cannoli at home might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Ingredients for the Shells
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Marsala wine (or white wine)
- Egg yolk
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for the Filling
- Ricotta cheese (drain it well!)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional)
Steps to Make It
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add Marsala wine and egg yolk until the dough comes together. Wrap it up and chill for about an hour.
- Roll It Out: Once chilled, roll out the dough thinly and cut into circles or ovals. Wrap each piece around a metal cannoli tube (you can find these online or at specialty stores).
- Fry Time: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the shells until golden brown. Let them cool before carefully sliding them off the tubes.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, fold in mini chocolate chips! Chill the filling before using.
- Assemble: Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each shell with creamy goodness right before serving so they stay crispy. Dip the ends in pistachios or chocolate chips for extra flair.
Pro tip: Don’t fill your cannoli too far in advance—they’ll lose their crunch faster than you can say “Mangia!”
Why Homemade Cannoli?
Sure, you could buy pre-made cannoli from a bakery or grocery store, but where’s the fun in that? Making them yourself means you get to customize everything—from how sweet the filling is to what toppings you use. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with family or friends during the holiday season.
And let’s be honest: homemade always tastes better because it comes with a side of bragging rights.
When to Make Them
Cannoli is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, random Tuesday nights—but they really shine during Christmas celebrations. Something about that crispy shell and creamy filling feels festive and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just looking for something sweet to snack on while watching Christmas movies, cannoli fits the bill.
Mark your calendars! Christmas Eve is Tuesday, December 24th this year—so plan ahead if you want to wow your guests with this dessert.
Where Can You Get Ingredients?
If you’re in Birmingham or nearby areas like Troy or Bloomfield Hills, check out local grocery stores like Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market or Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace for fresh ricotta and other essentials. Amazon is always an option for specialty items like cannoli tubes or Marsala wine—or take that short trip to Detroit for more variety.
Wrap-Up
Homemade cannoli isn’t just about making dessert—it’s about creating memories (and maybe impressing your relatives). Whether you’re rolling out the dough for the first time or perfecting your piping technique, this Italian classic is worth every minute in the kitchen.
So grab your apron and get frying! And don’t forget—this recipe is featured in our Christmas Guide 2024 because we believe every holiday table deserves a little sweetness. Happy cooking!
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
