How to Make Cannoli

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Craving something sweet and savory? Cannoli are the perfect treat! Cannoli are a traditional Sicilian pastry that is perfect for any occasion. In fact, they have earned a place for themselves as a staple dessert in Italian households around the world.

Making cannoli is a simple, but lengthy process. The following ingredients make about 20 cannoli (depending on shell size). You may change the amount of ingredients according to the amount of cannoli you wish to make. See below for tips on how to speed up the process, change the recipe, and more!

Ingredients

Shells:

4 cups of flour
1/2 cup of shortening (butter)
3 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
Corn oil for deep frying

Cream Filling:

1 quart (946ml, 4 US cups) of half and half cream
1/2 cup plus 2 heaping tablespoons of sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch
1 stick cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Garnish (optional)

Powdered sugar (icing sugar)
Chopped almonds
Maraschino cherries

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Shells

1
Blend the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and shortening together in a large mixing bowl. Note: Prior to mixing the ingredients together, cut the shortening up into pea-size pieces to allow for easy mixing.
2
Slowly stir in the eggs, vinegar, and water into the flour blended mix.

Advertisement
3
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes.
4
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. It should feel chilled before working with it again.
5
Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin. Roll until it is about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick.
6
Cut the dough into 5 inch (12.5cm) circles. Note: See the "Tips" section below to learn how to get perfect cannoli shells every time!
7
Roll the pieces loosely around the cannoli tube until each piece slightly overlaps the opposite edge.
- Press the overlapping edges together and seal by dabbing them with a drop or two of water to ensure that they stick and do not break apart in the fryer.
8
Heat the oil in deep fryer to 360⁰ F/182ºC. Place the cannoli tube and shell in the deep fryer until golden brown.
9
Remove each cannoli shell and tube from the deep fryer. Set the rolls on paper towel to cool.
- Remove the cannoli tube after it has cooled slightly. For the best results and the least breakage, do not wait until shells are cooled completely before removing them.
10
Repeat until all dough is used.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Cream Filling

1
Mix the cornstarch and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl.
2
Heat the half and half in top of double boiler over direct heat, and stir in the sugar and cornstarch gradually.
- Place over simmering water in double boiler, add the cinnamon stick, if desired, and cook until thickened.
3
Remove from the heat. Cool completely in the refrigerator.
4
Mix mini chocolate chips into cream filling once completely cooled (optional).
5
Cover the cream filling with plastic wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick and stir well.
6
Fill the cannoli shells with the cream filling using a pastry bag. For best results, fill one end of the cannoli at a time. Fill shell until cream filling slightly overfills its outer edges.

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Finishing Touches

1
Top the cannolis with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
2
Garnish outer edges of cannolis with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries. Be creative- the possibilities are endless!

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Question

What exactly is half and half?

Community Answer

Half and Half is a blend of whole milk and light cream. It can be found in the dairy aisle of most grocery stores.
Question

Can you do this without the tubes?

Community Answer

Technically, yes. You can either look up how to make your own tubes, or you can make them into little cannoli cups using a muffin pan of sorts.
Question

How thick should it get while on the stove before removing?

Community Answer

Honestly it depends on personal preference as well as the recipe. Just make sure that you keep an eye on them and see how long it takes it turn yellow, gold, golden brown and brown. You don't want to have burnt cannolis next time you make them!
Question

What if the cannoli filling is a little thin?

Community Answer

You could mix some more cornstarch into the filling. You could also freeze them for a while, then thaw before eating.
Question

Can I use dry fruit instead of chocolate chips?

Community Answer

Yes. On "MasterChef," they say the main things are to sift the sugar and use white wine in the shell recipe.

Warnings

Avoid getting water in the deep fryer; it will pop, and can lead to serious burns!

Thanks!
Helpful 17 Not Helpful 1
Wear protective clothing while cooking with a deep fryer – long sleeves are advised.

Thanks!
Helpful 14 Not Helpful 7
Be aware of possible food allergies. This product contains gluten, eggs, and nuts (nuts are optional).

Thanks!
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 6
Avoid touching hot products.

Thanks!
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 8