Pistachio Cannoli are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring crispy pastry shells filled with a creamy pistachio ricotta filling. These treats are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of year.

Ingredients

For the Cannoli Shells:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup white wine (or vinegar)
• Oil (for frying)

For the Pistachio Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)

Timing

Making Pistachio Cannoli takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for frying and cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add Butter and Egg Yolk: Add the softened butter and egg yolk to the dry ingredients. Mix until crumbly.
3. Add Wine: Gradually mix in the white wine (or vinegar) until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick.
2. Cut into Circles: Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.

Step 3: Fry the Cannoli Shells

1. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Form Shells: Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
3. Fry: Carefully place the wrapped tubes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Cool: Once cooled, carefully remove the cannoli shells from the tubes.

Step 4: Prepare the Pistachio Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and finely chopped pistachios. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the filling for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Fill the Cannoli

1. Fill Shells: Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each cannoli shell with the pistachio filling.
2. Garnish: Dip the ends of each filled cannoli in additional chopped pistachios for garnish.

Step 6: Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the cannoli with powdered sugar.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious pistachio cannoli!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pistachio Cannoli (per cannoli, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: Substitute pistachios with chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cannoli for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Pistachio Cannoli are a delightful and elegant dessert that brings a unique twist to the traditional cannoli. With their crispy shells and creamy filling, these treats are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!