CHURRO CANNOLI RECIPE

Churro Cannolis: A Fusion of Cultures in a Sweet Delight

Introduction

Churro Cannolis are a delightful fusion dessert that combines the best of Italian and Spanish culinary traditions. These crispy cannoli shells, coated in cinnamon and sugar, are filled with a rich and creamy ricotta filling. Whether deep-fried, air-fried, or baked, these Churro Cannolis promise to deliver an unforgettable dessert experience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making these delicious treats at home.

Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation process, let’s take a look at the ingredients required for making Churro Cannolis.

Cannoli Shells

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 large egg, separated
• ¼ cup marsala wine

Cannoli Filling

• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese, strained
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish

• Finely chopped pistachios (optional)
• Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making Churro Cannolis.

Cannoli Shells

1. Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and butter. Pulse until the mixture forms small pea-sized pieces. Add the egg yolk and marsala wine, pulsing until a ball of dough forms. Remove the dough from the food processor, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛ to 1/16 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 3-inch circles. Gather any leftover dough, re-roll, and cut out more circles to maximize the number of cannolis.
3. Prepare for Frying or Baking: In a small bowl, beat the egg white until loose and set aside. This will be used to seal the dough circles around the cannoli tubes.

Cooking Methods

You have three options for cooking the cannoli shells: air frying, deep frying, or baking. Each method has its own unique advantages.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Lightly spray a cannoli tube with nonstick spray and loosely wrap a dough circle around it. Brush one end of the dough with egg white and press the other end on top, sealing it together.
3. Place the cannolis in the air fryer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the shells are firm and crisp.
4. Remove the cannolis from the molds and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Deep Frying Instructions:

1. Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to fill it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F.
2. Lightly spray a cannoli tube with nonstick spray and loosely wrap a dough circle around it. Brush one end of the dough with egg white and press the other end on top, sealing it together.
3. Use tongs to place the cannoli tubes in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the shells and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. If the shell does not slide off easily, use another set of tongs to carefully pull the shell off the tube. Repeat the process, ensuring the oil remains at 350°F.
5. Transfer the shells to a rack to cool completely before filling.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly spray a cannoli tube with nonstick spray and loosely wrap a dough circle around it. Brush one end of the dough with egg white and press the other end on top, sealing it together.
3. Place the prepared cannoli shells on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove the cannolis from the molds and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Cannoli Filling

1. Strain the Ricotta: If the ricotta cheese is very wet, strain it using a cheesecloth or spread it on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a thick and creamy filling.
2. Whip the Cream: Using a hand or stand mixer, whisk the heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the strained ricotta, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

Coat & Assemble

1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Just before serving, melt the butter in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Coat the Cannolis: Brush the outside of each cannoli shell with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
3. Fill the Cannolis: Use the prepared piping bag to fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture. For an extra touch, sprinkle the ends of the cannolis with finely chopped pistachios or additional mini chocolate chips.
4. Serve Immediately: Churro Cannolis are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them immediately to ensure the shells remain crisp and the filling stays creamy.

Tips for Perfect Churro Cannolis

1. Proper Straining: Make sure to strain the ricotta cheese thoroughly to avoid a runny filling. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
2. Chilling the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill in the fridge helps to develop the flavors and makes it easier to work with.
3. Temperature Control: If deep frying, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy shells.
4. Serve Fresh: Fill the cannoli shells just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.

Variations and Customizations

Churro Cannolis are versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some variations and customizations you can try:

Flavor Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Shells: After frying or baking the shells, dip the ends in melted chocolate and let them set before filling. This adds a rich chocolatey touch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
2. Fruit-Filled Cannolis: Add a fruity twist to your cannolis by mixing in finely chopped fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries into the ricotta filling. The burst of fresh fruit complements the creamy filling beautifully.
3. Nutty Delight: Mix finely chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle nuts on top for a crunchy garnish.

Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Cannolis: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create bite-sized cannolis that are perfect for parties and gatherings. These mini treats are easy to eat and look adorable on a dessert platter.
2. Cannoli Cones: Instead of traditional tubes, shape the dough into small cones before frying or baking. These cannoli cones are a fun and creative way to present the dessert.
3. Colorful Cannolis: Add a few drops of food coloring to the cannoli filling for a vibrant and visually appealing dessert. You can match the colors to a specific theme or occasion.

Serving Suggestions

1. Cannoli Platter: Create a beautiful cannoli platter by arranging the filled cannolis on a serving tray and garnishing with fresh fruits, mint leaves, and edible flowers. This makes for an impressive presentation at parties and events.
2. Pairing with Coffee: Serve Churro Cannolis with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso. The rich and creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of coffee, making it a perfect combination for an afternoon treat.
3. Ice Cream Accompaniment: Serve Churro Cannolis alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy shells and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience.

Storing and Making Ahead

Storing Cannoli Shells

Cannoli shells can be made ahead of time and stored until you’re ready to fill them. Here’s how to store them properly:

1. Room Temperature: Store the cooked and cooled cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their crispness.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled cannoli shells in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. To use, let them thaw at room temperature before filling.

Storing Cannoli Filling

1. Refrigeration: The ricotta filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
2. Piping Bag Storage: If you’ve already transferred the filling to a piping bag, store the bag in the fridge with the tip tightly sealed. This makes it easy to fill the cannolis quickly when you’re ready to serve.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Soggy Shells: If your cannoli shells turn out soggy, it could be due to excess moisture in the ricotta filling. Ensure that the ricotta is thoroughly strained before mixing it with other ingredients.
2. Cracking Shells: If the shells crack during frying or baking, it may be due to the dough being rolled too thin. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ to 1/16 inch to prevent cracking.
3. Difficulty Removing Shells: If the cannoli shells are difficult to remove from the molds, let them cool slightly before attempting to remove them. Using a second set of tongs can help gently pull the shells off without breaking them.

Conclusion

Churro Cannolis are a delightful and innovative twist on the classic cannoli, combining the best elements of Italian and Spanish desserts. With their crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated shells and creamy ricotta filling, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. By following the detailed instructions and tips provided in this guide, you can create your own batch of Churro Cannolis that will impress and satisfy your family and friends. Experiment with different flavors, presentations, and serving ideas to make this dessert uniquely your own. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these delicious treats, and savor every bite of your homemade Churro Cannolis!