This Sicilian Cannoli Recipe brings crispy pastry shells and creamy ricotta filling together perfectly. These famous Italian treats are crunchy outside and smooth inside. Many dessert lovers enjoy this Sicilian Cannoli Recipe because every bite feels rich and satisfying.
If you want to learn How to make Sicilian Cannoli at home, this guide makes everything easy. The Ingredients for Sicilian Cannoli are simple and create amazing bakery-style results.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind perfect cannoli is keeping the shells crispy and the filling smooth. Fresh ricotta creates rich texture. Filling the shells only before serving keeps everything crunchy.
Small details make a big difference with homemade cannoli.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Sicilian Cannoli Recipe
- Servings: 12 cannoli
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 340 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Frying pot
- Thermometer
- Cannoli molds
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Piping bag
- Paper towels
Ingredients You Need for Sicilian Cannoli Recipe
For The Shells
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Oil for frying
For The Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Garnish
- Crushed pistachios
- Extra chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
- Orange zest
Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt inside a large bowl.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Add butter, egg, vinegar and water. Mix until soft dough forms.
3. Knead The Dough
Knead dough for five minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Rest The Dough
Cover dough and let it rest for thirty minutes.
5. Roll The Dough
Roll dough very thin for crispy cannoli shells.
6. Cut Circles
Cut dough into circles large enough to wrap around molds.
7. Wrap Around Molds
Wrap dough around cannoli tubes and seal edges gently.
8. Fry The Shells
Heat oil and fry shells until golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool Completely
Remove shells carefully and cool fully before filling.
10. Prepare Filling
Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
11. Fill Cannoli Shells
Pipe ricotta filling into both ends of each shell.
12. Garnish And Serve
Decorate with pistachios, powdered sugar, or chocolate chips.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Drain ricotta overnight for thicker filling.
- Fill shells right before serving.
- Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips for richer taste.
- Roll dough thin for maximum crispiness.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Store shells separately from filling.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cannoli chilled with coffee or espresso. They also taste wonderful after dinner or during holidays.
- Add extra powdered sugar for classic bakery presentation.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store empty shells inside airtight containers for up to one week.
- Keep filling refrigerated for three days.
- Filled cannoli should be eaten within one day for best texture.

Sicilian Cannoli Recipe
Ingredients
For The Shells
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Oil for frying
For The Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Garnish
- Crushed pistachios
- Extra chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
- Orange zest
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt inside a large bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add butter, egg, vinegar and water. Mix until soft dough forms.
Knead The Dough
- Knead dough for five minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rest The Dough
- Cover dough and let it rest for thirty minutes.
Roll The Dough
- Roll dough very thin for crispy cannoli shells.
Cut Circles
- Cut dough into circles large enough to wrap around molds.
Wrap Around Molds
- Wrap dough around cannoli tubes and seal edges gently.
Fry The Shells
- Heat oil and fry shells until golden brown and crispy.
Cool Completely
- Remove shells carefully and cool fully before filling.
Prepare Filling
- Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate chips.
Fill Cannoli Shells
- Pipe ricotta filling into both ends of each shell.
Garnish And Serve
- Decorate with pistachios, powdered sugar or chocolate chips.
Notes
- Drain ricotta overnight for thicker filling.
- Fill shells right before serving.
- Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips for richer taste.
- Roll dough thin for maximum crispiness.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Store shells separately from filling.
FAQs about Sicilian Cannoli Recipe
Why are my cannoli shells not crispy?
The dough may be rolled too thick. Also, filling too early can make shells soft.
Can I make cannoli shells ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooled shells inside airtight containers until ready for filling.
What ricotta works best?
Whole milk ricotta creates creamy and rich filling. Drain extra liquid before mixing.
Can I bake cannoli shells instead of frying?
Yes, but fried shells create the traditional crispy texture most people expect.
How long do filled cannoli stay fresh?
Filled cannoli taste best within several hours because moisture slowly softens the shells.
Conclusion
This Sicilian Cannoli Recipe creates crispy shells filled with rich ricotta cream. The combination of textures makes this dessert special.
Now you know How to make Sicilian Cannoli with simple ingredients and easy steps. Make these homemade treats for holidays, parties or whenever you want something delicious.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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