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Delicious Homemade Cannoli with a Citrus Twist Recipe

Delicious Homemade Cannoli with a Citrus Twist Recipe

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Delicious Homemade Cannoli with a Citrus Twist recipe combines traditional Italian pastry with a flavorful ricotta filling infused with candied orange and subtle spices. The cocoa-flavored shells add a rich depth, perfectly complementing the sweet and creamy citrus filling, making it an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup white wine or vinegar
  • Oil for frying

Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup candied orange, chopped
  • Chocolate chips or pistachios for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and egg yolk, mixing well. Gradually add the white wine or vinegar until the mixture forms a dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the rested dough very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles from the rolled dough.
  3. Fry the Shells: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little water. Carefully fry each wrapped dough piece until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and cool on paper towels before gently sliding the shells off the tubes.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped candied orange pieces evenly.
  5. Fill the Cannoli: Just before serving, transfer the ricotta filling into a piping bag and carefully fill each fried shell. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with chocolate chips or chopped pistachios if desired to add extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the ricotta is well drained to avoid soggy filling.
  • Rolling the dough very thin helps achieve crisp, light shells.
  • Fry the shells at a consistent temperature for best results.
  • Fill the cannoli just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • You can substitute candied orange with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli, Italian dessert, ricotta filling, homemade pastry, citrus twist, fried pastry shells, chocolate cocoa shells