Imagine biting into a crispy, cinnamon-sugar-dusted shell that gives way to a creamy, dreamy filling of sweetened ricotta and vanilla. This Churro Cannoli Recipe is a delightful twist on two classic desserts, combining the warm, comforting flavors of churros with the rich, indulgent texture of cannoli. Each bite is a celebration of sweetness, with hints of nutmeg and a touch of zest that dance on your palate. Perfect for sharing (or not!), these treats are sure to bring smiles and joy to any gathering. Let’s whip up some magic!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the crunchy churro shell!
- This one’s a game-changer for dessert lovers everywhere.
- It’s a fun twist on classic cannoli that everyone will rave about.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have at home.
- Perfect for parties or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient for the churro dough, providing structure.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the churros and the filling.
- Baking powder – helps the churros rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cinnamon – gives that classic churro flavor, perfect for dusting.
- Butter – adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Eggs – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Ricotta cheese – creates a creamy and delicious filling for the cannoli.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet aroma to the filling.
- Chocolate chips – optional, for a delightful surprise in the filling.
- Vegetable oil – for frying the churros to golden perfection.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create a delightful Churro Cannoli that will impress everyone!
Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt until a dough forms.
Let the dough cool for about 10 minutes, then add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 2: Pipe the Churro Shapes
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pipe 4-inch long strips of dough onto it.
Step 3: Fry the Churros
In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop the churro strips into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Prepare the Cannoli Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fill the Churros
Using a piping bag, carefully fill each churro with the cannoli filling.
Make sure to fill them generously for that delicious surprise!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Churro Cannoli on a platter.
Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired and enjoy your sweet creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use a piping bag for filling the cannoli shells for a neat and easy process.
• Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and make it easier to pipe.
• Fry the churro shells in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve a perfect crisp.
• Dust the finished churros with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for better adherence.
• Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
How to Serve
- Dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch.
- Serve with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Pair with fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Top with whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Drizzle with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your Churro Cannoli later without losing flavor or texture.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow cannoli to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep filling separate if possible to maintain crispness.
Freezing
- Wrap each cannoli tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cannoli in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I make the churro dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the churro dough in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature before frying for the best results.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese for the filling?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta cheese, you can use mascarpone or cream cheese mixed with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This will give you a creamy and delicious filling that pairs perfectly with the churro shell.
How do I prevent the churros from becoming soggy?
To keep your churros crispy, make sure to fry them in hot oil (around 350°F or 175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan. Once fried, place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil instead of paper towels, which can trap moisture.
Can I freeze the churro cannoli?
Yes, you can freeze churro cannoli! Just make sure to freeze them without the filling to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and fill them with the ricotta mixture for a fresh treat!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own Churro Cannoli! This delightful fusion of flavors is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. Picture yourself savoring each crispy, creamy bite, and sharing them with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet magic unfold. Enjoy every moment of this delicious adventure—you deserve it!
Churro Cannoli Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan For preparing the churro dough.
- 1 Piping Bag For piping the churro shapes.
- 1 Deep skillet For frying the churros.
- 1 Shallow bowl For mixing cinnamon sugar.
- 1 mixing bowl For preparing the cannoli filling.
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- 1 cup Water For the dough.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Adds richness to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar For the dough.
- 1 cup All-purpose flour Provides structure.
- 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavors.
- 2 large Eggs Binds ingredients together.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar For coating.
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon For coating.
Cannoli Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese For the filling.
- 1/2 cup Mascarpone cheese Adds creaminess.
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar For sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds flavor.
- 1/2 cup Chocolate chips Optional for filling.
Instructions
Prepare the Churro Dough
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Let the dough cool for about 10 minutes, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pipe the Churro Shapes
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pipe 4-inch long strips of dough onto it.
Fry the Churros
- In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the churro strips into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Prepare the Cannoli Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy.
Fill the Churros
- Using a piping bag, carefully fill each churro with the cannoli filling. Make sure to fill them generously for that delicious surprise!
Serve and Enjoy!
- Arrange your Churro Cannoli on a platter. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired and enjoy your sweet creation!
