Go Back
+ servings
Pistachio Cannoli

Delicious Pistachio Cannoli You'll Love Making at Home

This Pistachio Cannoli recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that promises to elevate your next gathering.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cannoli
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cannoli Shells
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Essential for forming the crispy texture of your shells.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Balances out the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder Provides a slight chocolatey undertone to your cannoli shells.
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich dough.
  • ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar Adds acidity that keeps the dough tender.
  • 2 tablespoons cold water Adjusts the dough consistency for easier handling.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Creates a creamy base that's a must in any cannoli.
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese Adds richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
  • ½ cup powdered sugar Sweetens the filling while ensuring a smooth texture.
  • ¾ cup finely chopped pistachios Brings that signature crunch and classic flavor to your Pistachio Cannoli.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides warmth and depth of flavor to the filling.
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract Infuses a subtle nutty aroma, enhancing the overall experience.
For Frying
  • Vegetable oil Essential for frying your cannoli shells until they are golden and crispy.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cannoli tubes
  • Deep pot
  • piping bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pistachio Cannoli
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder until evenly combined. Create a well in the center and add one large egg, ½ teaspoon of white wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix until you form a dough that’s smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes of kneading.
  2. Once your dough is ready, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
  3. After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. Roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are slightly larger than your cannoli tubes.
  4. Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, overlapping the edges slightly. Use a dab of water to seal the edges, ensuring they stay closed during frying.
  5. In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the cannoli tubes into the hot oil, frying them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, ¾ cup of finely chopped pistachios, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
  7. Once mixed, transfer the filling to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  8. After the shells have cooled and the filling has chilled, use a piping bag fitted with a large tip to fill each cannoli shell generously.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the filled cannoli and garnish with extra finely chopped pistachios for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cannoliCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the dough and filling to chill for better texture and flavor. Seal edges well when frying to prevent openings. Pipe generously for optimal filling.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!