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When the craving for something sweet strikes, there’s nothing like the crispy indulgence of a Chocolate Cannoli to delight the senses. Picture this: a golden-brown shell, effortlessly crisp, hugging a rich and creamy filling infused with luscious chocolate ricotta. The moment you take a bite, it’s an explosion of textures and flavors that transports you straight to a quaint Sicilian café, even if your kitchen is miles away from the Mediterranean coast.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy evening spent reminiscing about past travels and the unforgettable desserts I encountered. Now, with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform your home into a playground of flavors, impressing friends and family with a homemade dessert that’s truly a showstopper. Whether you’re looking to elevate your coffee break or bring joy to a festive gathering, these Chocolate Cannoli are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Let’s create that magic together!

Why are Chocolate Cannoli a must-try?

Irresistible flavors abound! This Chocolate Cannoli recipe boasts a delightful harmony of textures with its crispy shell and creamy filling. Homemade magic is within reach, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dessert in your own kitchen. Versatile in nature, you can customize fillings or toppings to suit your taste. Best of all, these treats make for a splendid centerpiece at any gathering, ensuring smiles all around. For more delicious Italian dessert ideas, check out our guide on Italian pastries.

Chocolate Cannoli Ingredients

For the Creamy Filling
• Fresh Ricotta Cheese – Ensure it’s well-drained for the richest texture and flavor in your filling.
• Dark Chocolate – Use for a deeper flavor; semi-sweet chocolate can be an excellent substitute.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling effortlessly; granulated sugar can be a quick alternative, though it may alter the texture.
• Pistachios (finely chopped) – A perfect garnish that adds a nutty contrast; swap with chopped almonds or leave out for a nut-free option.

For the Cannoli Shells
• All-Purpose Flour (or Flour 00) – This forms the essential structure of your cannoli; gluten-free flour may work with some adjustments.
• Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the shells, providing balance to the deep flavors.
• Sea Salt – Don’t skip this key ingredient, as it elevates the flavor profile of your shells.
• Cocoa Powder – Infuses your shells with a delicious depth of chocolate; make sure it’s unsweetened.
• Cold Butter (cut into cubes) – Keep it cold for optimal flakiness in your shells.
• Marsala Wine – Adds wonderful complexity; feel free to replace it with white wine or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
• White Vinegar – Helps maintain structure and prevents greasiness in your shells.
• Egg Yolks – Binding ingredients and enriching flavors; no good substitutes here.
• Egg White – This helps seal your shells; water can work in a pinch.
• Sunflower Oil (for frying) – Essential for achieving that delightful crunch; canola oil works well too.

Create your perfect Chocolate Cannoli today and delight in an authentic taste of Sicily!

How to Make Chocolate Cannoli

Prepare Ricotta Filling: Drain the fresh ricotta cheese thoroughly; mix it until smooth. Gradually whisk in the melted dark chocolate and powdered sugar. Once blended, refrigerate the filling to firm it up.
Make Dough: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, sea salt, and cold butter. Mix until you achieve a sandy texture. Slowly stir in the Marsala wine, white vinegar, and egg yolks, then knead until smooth. Place your dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour to rest.
Shape Cannoli Shells: Roll out the chilled dough thinly on a floured surface, then cut it into 4-inch circles. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube and seal the edges using egg white.
Fry Cannoli: Heat sunflower oil in a deep pot to 360°F (180°C). Fry each wrapped cannoli until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain them on paper towels and carefully remove the tubes.
Assemble: Pipe the chilled chocolate ricotta filling into the cooled cannoli shells. Garnish with finely chopped pistachios, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately for the best experience.

Optional: Serve with a warm espresso for an authentic Italian touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cannoli

Room Temperature: Cannoli shells can be kept at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Fridge: Chocolate ricotta filling should be refrigerated and consumed within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent drying.

Freezer: While it’s best to freeze unfilled shells, you can keep them for up to 1 month. Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating: If freezing, allow shells to thaw at room temperature before assembling. Avoid reheating filled cannoli, as it may compromise the crispy shell texture.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cannoli

• Draining Ricotta: Ensure your ricotta cheese is fully drained to avoid a watery filling; overnight draining is the best method for perfect texture.

• Frying Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature at 360°F (180°C) to yield crispy shells without burning; avoid overcrowding the pan.

• Fill Just Before Serving: For the best texture experience, fill the cannoli shells right before serving. This keeps the shells crispy and the filling fresh.

• Storage Solutions: Keep your cannoli shells and filling separate until ready to serve for longer freshness; shells can stay at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Chocolate Cannoli Variations

Embrace the opportunity to customize your Chocolate Cannoli and make each batch uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Swap out ricotta for a creamy cashew or almond cheese blend to keep it vegan yet delicious.
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter take that lovers of milky treats will adore.
Spiced Delight: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the ricotta filling for a warm, comforting twist.
Nutty Toppings: Instead of pistachios, try chopped hazelnuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch and rich flavor variation.
Fruity Bliss: Fold in some finely chopped strawberries or raspberries into the ricotta for a fresh burst of flavor in every bite. Each luscious berry brings a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Candied Citrus: Consider incorporating finely grated orange or lemon zest for a zesty pop that complements the chocolate beautifully. This citrusy addition brightens every mouthful!
Heat It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate filling—surprising yet delightful! It will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cannoli experience.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make your cannoli accessible for everyone, keeping the deliciousness intact!

Explore these variations, and let your creativity shine as you create your perfect Chocolate Cannoli masterpiece!

What to Serve with Chocolate Cannoli?

Indulging in the delightful flavors of warm, crispy cannoli opens the door to endless meal pairings that elevate your dessert experience.

Rich Espresso: This classic Italian coffee’s bold flavors create a perfect balance with the sweetness of the cannoli, enhancing the chocolate experience.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate filling, adding brightness to your plate.
Italian Gelato: Pairing with a scoop of velvety gelato, like pistachio or hazelnut, complements your chocolate cannoli perfectly, creating a luxurious dessert duo.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A casual yet elegant addition, drizzling warm chocolate sauce atop your cannoli adds extra indulgence, turning each bite into a decadent treat.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream on the side softens the rich flavors of the cannoli while adding a cloud-like texture that you’ll adore.
Amaretto Liqueur: Enjoy a small glass of amaretto to round off your meal; its nutty sweetness pairs beautifully with the cannoli for an Italian finish.
Mini Fruit Tartlets: Serve adorable mini tartlets filled with seasonal fruit to add color and creativeness to your dessert table, providing an artistic touch to your feast.
Mint Tea: A fragrant cup of mint tea provides a refreshing palate cleanser after the chocolate richness, offering a soothing end to your delightful affair.

Each of these pairings enhances your experience, showcasing the beauty of homemade Italian desserts!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Cannoli are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert with ease! You can prepare the cannoli shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply fry them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. For the filling, you can mix the ricotta and chocolate blend up to 2 days in advance, keeping it chilled in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pipe the chilled filling into the cooled shells, garnish with pistachios, and dust with powdered sugar. This way, you’ll have an authentic treat ready to impress, without the last-minute rush!

Chocolate Cannoli Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ricotta cheese for my cannoli?
Absolutely! When selecting ricotta cheese, look for fresh, high-quality options from your local dairy or grocery store. Check that it’s well-drained, as excess moisture can lead to a watery filling. For the best results, I often recommend draining it overnight. If using store-bought, simply give it a good stir before incorporating it into your filling.

How should I store leftover cannoli filling?
Very easy! Your chocolate ricotta filling should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 1-2 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more it might lose its fresh texture. Always give it a gentle stir before using it if any moisture separates.

Can I freeze my chocolate cannoli shells?
Absolutely! To freeze your unfilled chocolate cannoli shells, first allow them to cool completely. Wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling for the best texture.

What if my cannoli shells turn out soft after frying?
Don’t worry, it’s a common issue! If your cannoli shells are soft after frying, it may be due to oil that’s not hot enough. Always use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; it should be around 360°F (180°C). Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause the temperature to drop. Frying in smaller batches yields crisper results.

Are there any dietary considerations for making chocolate cannoli?
Indeed! If you’re making these delightful treats for guests with specific dietary needs, here are a few tips: You can make the cannoli gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. For those with nut allergies, simply omit the pistachios or substitute with an alternative like sunflower seeds. Always check your chocolate and other ingredients for any allergens before beginning.

How long do cannoli shells stay crispy?
I often recommend that you fill the cannoli shells just before serving to maintain that sought-after crispness. However, if stored separately, cannoli shells can remain crisp at room temperature for 4-5 days. Keep them in an airtight container and avoid adding moisture to prolong their crunch!