Ricotta Cannoli

Ricotta Cannoli are the traditional Sicilian cannoli made with a ricotta filling base. The filling can be made ahead and used to stuff cannoli shells before eating.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Keyword cannoli, ricotta cheese

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 221kcal

Author Angela Allison

Ingredients

1 pound whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 small orange, zested (about a teaspoon of zest)
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (divided)
⅓ cup shelled pistachios, lightly chopped (divided)
24 mini cannoli shells (or 12 large cannoli shells)
powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Use a handheld mixer to mix the ingredients together until the ricotta is light and fluffy; about 2 minutes.
Stir in about ¼ cup each mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios.
Pour the ricotta mixture into a piping bag. Pipe the filling into the cannoli shells. Sprinkle the ends of the cannoli with remaining mini chocolate chips and pistachios. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Notes

Ricotta: use a smooth ricotta cheese like ricotta con latte if you can find it. If your ricotta appears wet, be sure to drain it first in a fine mesh sieve.
Mixing: I like to use a handheld mixer to beat the ricotta. This gives it a creamier texture. However, you can skip this step and just stir the ingredients together if you prefer the texture of the ricotta as is.
Orange: traditional Sicilian cannoli include orange zest. Feel free to add as much as you want. Orange extract can be used as well.
Optional Add Ins: you can change the flavors of the cannoli filling to your liking by adding in other mix ins such as cinnamon, candied fruit, or orange extract.
Make Ahead: the ricotta cannoli filling can be made ahead and refrigerated up to three days in an airtight container. Once the filling has been piped into the cannoli shells, the cannoli should be consumed within an hour or two to prevent sogginess.
Cannoli Shells: use store-bought cannoli shells to save time with this recipe. Most grocery stores have cannoli shells to purchase or you can buy them online.

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