There’s something delightfully enchanting about biting into a cannoli—the crunch of the shell giving way to a creamy, sweet filling that feels like an embrace from an Italian grandmother. I first ventured into making these treats during a cozy family gathering, searching for a dessert that would impress without all the fuss. That’s when I struck gold: a foolproof cannoli recipe using store-bought shells.
This easy chocolate chip cannoli recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors without the hassle of frying. Picture it: crisp exteriors filled with a luscious, lightly sweetened ricotta mixture, studded with chocolate chips and a hint of citrus zest. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with your favorite add-ins, ensuring every bite is a sweet surprise. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or treating yourself after a long week, these cannoli can turn any occasion into a special moment. Ready to indulge? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is this cannoli recipe a must-try?
Easy and Quick: No frying means you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
Creative Freedom: Feel free to customize with various add-ins like pistachios or orange zest for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, these cannoli will impress family and friends alike.
Authentic Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of classic Italian cannoli without the hassle of traditional methods.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want a delightful dessert, this quick no-fry cannoli recipe is your ticket to sweetness!
Cannoli Recipe Ingredients
For the Filling
- Ricotta Cheese – A creamy base for your filling; ensure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness; adjust based on your personal preference.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Use in the filling and for garnishing; they provide delightful bites of sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor; don’t skip this component for a richer taste.
- Fresh Orange Zest (optional) – Adds a delightful pop of citrusy brightness; consider it for a unique twist.
For the Shells
- Store-Bought Cannoli Shells – Convenient and ready to fill; a key to making this cannoli recipe a breeze.
These fresh ingredients will help you create the perfect cannoli experience, making each bite a little taste of Italy!
How to Make Easy Cannolis
Drain Ricotta: Place your ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate for 6–24 hours. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture for a perfect filling texture.
Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Fill Shells: Transfer the filling into a pastry bag. Pipe the creamy mixture into both ends of the cannoli shells, filling them about halfway to avoid overflow.
Garnish: Dip each end of the filled cannoli into the remaining mini chocolate chips for added sweetness and a delightful crunch. Dust with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch.
Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your cannoli right after filling to maintain that wonderful crispness of the shells.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These easy chocolate chip cannoli are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the drained ricotta, confectioners’ sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember, to keep the cannoli shells crispy, fill them only right before serving. Simply take the chilled filling, pipe it into the store-bought cannoli shells, and finish with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and extra chocolate chips. This way, you’ll have delectable cannoli ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for the Best Cannoli
Drain Well: Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly for at least 6 hours; this prevents a soggy filling that ruins your cannoli experience.
Creamy Delight: If you prefer a smoother filling, blend in up to 1/4 cup of heavy cream right before piping the filling into the shells.
Fill at Last Minute: To keep the shells crispy, fill them just before serving. Filling too early can lead to a softened texture that lacks crunch.
Customizable Add-Ins: Experiment by adding flavors like almond extract or using different mix-ins such as chopped fruits or nuts in the filling. This can enhance your cannoli recipe wonderfully!
Perfect Presentation: For a beautiful finishing touch, dust with extra confectioners’ sugar and add colorful sprinkles for parties.
Storage Note: If you plan to make ahead, store the filling and shells separately in the refrigerator, filling them close to serving time to maintain freshness.
Cannoli Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this cannoli recipe your own with these fun and delicious twists!
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pistachios into the filling for a delightful crunch and vibrant color, embracing the nutty flavors of Italy.
Fruity Twist: Mix in some finely chopped dried fruits like figs or cherries to bring a unique touch and delightful sweetness to each bite.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap some ricotta for mascarpone or blend in cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate filling that’ll satisfy any chocolate craving.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate lemon zest instead of orange for a refreshing and bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling.
Spiced Up: Include a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional taste.
Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the filled cannoli before serving, adding an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from blended nuts or tofu for a delicious vegan adaptation of this classic treat.
Savory Surprise: For an unexpected twist, try adding crumbled bacon or a savory herb like basil to the filling for a bold combination of sweet and savory.
With these variations, you can explore new flavors and textures, making your cannoli experience truly unique and delightful!
What to Serve with Easy Chocolate Chip Cannoli?
Whether it’s a celebratory feast or a cozy evening at home, the right pairings can elevate your cannoli experience to new heights.
Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the filling, creating a delightful after-dinner indulgence.
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the creamy cannoli, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cannoli offers an indulgent twist, taking this classic dessert to an even sweeter level.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, fresh whipped cream can add an airy touch alongside your cannoli, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
Moscato Wine: The light, sweet taste of Moscato pairs beautifully with the lightly sweetened ricotta filling, making it a perfect dessert wine choice.
Pistachio Gelato: This classic Italian dessert provides a pleasant creamy contrast while introducing nutty notes that complement the chocolate chips in your cannoli.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness to your plate, balancing the richness of the cannoli without detracting from its deliciousness.
Tiramisu: For true Italian indulgence, a slice of tiramisu alongside your cannoli offers a wonderful coffee-flavored treat that dessert lovers will adore.
Almond Biscotti: The crunchiness of biscotti provides a delightful texture contrast and is perfect for dipping into coffee or tea alongside your sweet cannoli.
Gelato Affogato: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of creamy gelato for a warm-dessert combo that beautifully contrasts with the cold cannoli filling.
Storage Tips for Cannoli
Fridge: Store filled cannoli in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Filling them just before serving maintains the delightful crunch of the shells.
Filling: The creamy ricotta filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance; keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill those gorgeous shells.
Freezer: If you need to store unfilled shells, keep them in a sealed bag or container in the freezer for up to one month. This preserves their crisp texture.
Reheating: If you’ve filled the cannoli and need to enjoy them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for just a few minutes until slightly warm—take care not to let the shells get soggy! These storage tips will help keep your cannoli recipe delicious and enjoyable.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cannoli Recipe FAQs
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use?
Absolutely use whole milk ricotta if you can find it! For the best results, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy filling. You can place it in a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to get rid of excess moisture.
How long can I store filled cannoli?
You can store filled cannoli in an airtight container for up to 2 hours at room temperature. However, for optimum freshness and crunchiness, it’s best to fill the shells just before serving.
Can I freeze unfilled cannoli shells?
Yes! You can freeze unfilled cannoli shells for up to one month. Just make sure they are sealed tightly in a bag or container to prevent freezer burn. This way, you can always have a delicious treat ready when the craving strikes!
What should I do if my filling is too watery?
If you find your filling is too watery, it’s likely due to the ricotta not being drained properly. To salvage it, try mixing in a small amount of confectioners’ sugar or heavy cream to thicken it up. You can also try refrigerating it longer to let any excess moisture evaporate.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, you can easily customize this cannoli recipe! For a gluten-free option, check that your store-bought shells are gluten-free and consider using dairy alternatives for those avoiding lactose.
Easy Cannolis Recipe with Quick No-Fry Method for Sweet Treats
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Fine mesh strainer
- Pastry bag
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 16 oz Ricotta Cheese Well-drained
- 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar Adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips For filling and garnish
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Fresh Orange Zest Optional
For the Shells
- 12 pieces Store-Bought Cannoli Shells
Instructions
How to Make Easy Cannolis
- Drain Ricotta: Place your ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate for 6–24 hours to remove moisture.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix drained ricotta, confectioners' sugar, mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Fill Shells: Transfer the filling into a pastry bag and pipe into cannoli shells about halfway.
- Garnish: Dip ends in chocolate chips and dust with confectioners' sugar.
- Serve Immediately: Best served right after filling for crispness.