Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening, cold and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough very thinly (about 1/16 inch thick). Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles. Wrap the circles around cannoli tubes (metal or cardboard). Overlap the edges slightly and crimp to seal.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cannoli shells for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and carefully remove the cannoli tubes while the shells are still warm. Let cool completely.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, chopped pistachios, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the cooled cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture.
- Step 6: Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Store leftover cannoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness.
- For a warm, delightful treat, gently reheat filled cannoli shells in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to melt the filling slightly.
- Serve your Pistachio Cannoli with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of strong espresso for an authentic Italian experience.
- To prevent the cannoli shells from becoming soggy, ensure they are completely cool before filling them with the ricotta mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American