Pizzelle Cannoli

These pizzelle cannoli bring together two Italian dessert favorites crisp pizzelle cookies and rich ricotta cannoli cream in one delightful bite. The pizzelle serve as the perfect light and crispy shell, offering a subtle sweetness and delicate texture. Stuffed with a lightly sweetened ricotta filling, studded with mini chocolate chips and accented with vanilla and cinnamon, these cannoli are a beautiful and delicious treat. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of espresso, they’re a fun twist on a classic dessert and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 batch pizzelle cookies (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Prepare pizzelle cookies using a pizzelle iron, following your preferred recipe. While still warm and pliable, gently roll each pizzelle around a wooden dowel or cannoli mold to shape into tubes. Let cool to hold shape.

2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Fold in mini chocolate chips.

4. Transfer the ricotta filling into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.

5. Just before serving, pipe the filling into both ends of the pizzelle cannoli.

6. Garnish ends with chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar.

7. Serve immediately to maintain crispness of pizzelle shells.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 195 kcal | Servings: 10 cannoli

A Sweet Italian Fusion: Pizzelle Cannoli with Ricotta Filling

Italian cuisine is a celebration of heritage, flavor, and craftsmanship especially when it comes to desserts. Among the countless sweet treats passed down through generations, two stand out for their irresistible charm: the pizzelle and the cannoli. What happens when you combine the delicate crispiness of pizzelle cookies with the luscious, creamy filling of a traditional cannoli? You get a delightful dessert fusion that pays homage to both roots while creating something entirely its own.

This article dives into the story, tradition, and joy behind Pizzelle Cannoli with Sweet Ricotta Filling, a dessert that merges two beloved Italian classics into one unforgettable bite.

The Origins of Pizzelle and Cannoli

Before we talk about how these two treats come together, let’s take a moment to appreciate them individually.

Pizzelle – The Oldest Known Cookie

Pizzelle (pronounced peet-ZELL-eh) are believed to be the oldest cookies in Italy, dating back to the 8th century in the Abruzzo region. Traditionally made using iron plates engraved with family crests or floral designs, pizzelle are thin, crisp waffle-like cookies that are usually flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon.

These cookies were typically made during festivals, weddings, and religious celebrations. Over time, they became a staple in many Italian households, particularly around Christmas and Easter. The beauty of pizzelle lies in their versatility they can be served flat, shaped into cones, or, in our case, rolled into tubes to create cannoli shells.

Cannoli – The Sicilian Classic

Cannoli, on the other hand, hail from Sicily and have deep roots in Italian pastry culture. These tubular pastries are typically filled with sweetened ricotta cheese mixed with ingredients such as chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts. Cannoli were originally made as a celebration food during Carnevale, but quickly grew in popularity and became a year-round indulgence.

The contrast between the crunchy shell and the rich, velvety filling makes cannoli a universally adored dessert, whether served in fine Italian bakeries or homemade in family kitchens.

Merging Two Traditions: The Pizzelle Cannoli

So what do you get when you roll a freshly made pizzelle into a cannoli shell and fill it with sweet ricotta? You get an elegant yet approachable dessert that brings the best of both worlds to the table.

This modern take on a classic dessert is not only beautiful to serve but incredibly satisfying. The pizzelle acts as a light, crispy shell that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. It’s a fantastic way to reinvent cannoli for home cooks who may not want to deep-fry traditional shells but still crave that delightful crunch.

Why Use Pizzelle as Cannoli Shells?

Many home bakers are hesitant to deep-fry traditional cannoli shells due to the mess, effort, and oil involved. That’s where pizzelle come in as a genius alternative. When warm, pizzelle are flexible enough to be rolled around a dowel or cannoli mold. Once cooled, they harden into the perfect crispy shell.

Here are a few reasons pizzelle make great cannoli shells:

• Ease of preparation: No oil, no frying, and much easier cleanup.

• Unique flavor: You can experiment with different pizzelle flavors—lemon, almond, vanilla, or even cocoa.

• Visual appeal: The beautiful embossed designs on pizzelle add an artisan look.

• Light texture: Compared to deep-fried shells, pizzelle are airier and lighter, making each bite feel more refined.

Choosing the Right Ricotta

The filling of any cannoli is only as good as the ricotta cheese you use. Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier, richer texture. It’s best to drain the ricotta overnight using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove excess moisture, ensuring your filling doesn’t make the pizzelle soggy.

To elevate the filling even further, consider these mix-ins:

• Mini chocolate chips for texture and sweetness

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for depth

• Orange or lemon zest for brightness

• Chopped pistachios for color and crunch

• A touch of honey for a natural sweetness

Whatever additions you choose, balance is key. You want the filling to be rich but not overly sweet, creamy yet light enough to pipe into the pizzelle shells.

Tips for Perfect Pizzelle Cannoli

Here are some tips to make sure your pizzelle cannoli turn out perfectly every time:

1. Shape While Warm

Pizzelle harden quickly after coming off the iron. Work fast to wrap them around a dowel or mold to form the shell. Let them cool completely before filling.

2. Fill Just Before Serving

Once filled, pizzelle will start absorbing moisture from the ricotta and lose their crispness. Pipe the filling right before serving to maintain the ideal texture contrast.

3. Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add flavored extracts, liqueurs (like amaretto or limoncello), or even matcha or espresso powder to your filling.

4. Storage Tips

Unfilled pizzelle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Filled cannoli should be eaten the same day, preferably within a few hours.

5. Presentation Matters

Dust your finished pizzelle cannoli with powdered sugar and garnish the ends with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or candied citrus peel for an elegant look.

When to Serve Pizzelle Cannoli

These charming desserts are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday gatherings – A festive, crowd-pleasing treat

• Dinner parties – Impress guests with a touch of Italian flair

• Weddings & bridal showers – Elegant and easy to serve

• Casual weekends – Because who needs a reason for dessert?

Whether you’re making them for a special event or a quiet evening at home, pizzelle cannoli are always a hit.

A Modern Twist on an Old-World Favorite

What makes pizzelle cannoli so special is their ability to merge tradition and innovation. They’re a tribute to generations past while also reflecting the modern cook’s need for simplicity, creativity, and flavor.

For anyone passionate about Italian food, this dessert offers the opportunity to explore heritage while putting a personal twist on it. It’s simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for experienced bakers. And the results? Always stunning, always delicious.

Conclusion:

Combining pizzelle and cannoli into one dessert is more than a clever recipe hack it’s a love letter to Italian culinary tradition. From the delicate crunch of the pizzelle to the sweet, creamy burst of ricotta filling, every bite offers a perfect contrast of texture and flavor.

Pizzelle cannoli are proof that you don’t have to choose between old and new. With this recipe, you can celebrate the depth of Italian culture while embracing the creativity of the modern kitchen.

Whether you’re an Italian food purist or someone just discovering these classic flavors, pizzelle cannoli deserve a place at your dessert table. They’re beautiful, they’re delicious, and most importantly they bring joy with every bite.