How to Make Cannoli Filling
Learn how to make cannoli with this easy and delicious recipe. This classic Italian dessert features crispy cannoli shells + creamy cannoli filling + crunchy mini chocolate chips. Perfect for Christmas or special occasions. I skip frying the shells and fussing with a cannoli mold and use store-bought cannoli shells for ease.
Ingredients
- 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store bought will work
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
Instructions
- Place the ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer and place it in the fridge to drain for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to make the filling:
- In a large bowl combine the drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using); mix well. Using a spatula, carefully scrape the mixture into pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch open tip. Use at once, or refrigerate until needed; filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- When ready to serve, pipe the filling into one end of cannoli shell, filling shell halfway, then pipe into other end. If you don't have a piping bag, you may spoon the filling into the shells. Repeat with remaining shells.
- Place remaining mini chocolate chips on a small plate. Dip each end of the cannoli into the chocolate chips, then lightly dust with confectioner's sugar. Serve at once.
Notes
The filling may be made and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once the cannoli shells have been filling, serve them right away. Cannolis are best eaten the day they are made.
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