Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Recipe in 5 Easy, Crispy Steps

There's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly made cannoli, especially when it's been transformed into this amazing chocolate dipped cannoli recipe. As someone who's been perfecting Italian desserts for years, I can tell you that this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe brings together the best of both worlds ; the traditional Sicilian pastry we all love with an indulgent chocolate twist that makes every bite absolutely magical.

This chocolate dipped cannoli recipe has become my go-to dessert whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat my family to something special. The combination of crispy shells, smooth ricotta filling, and that gorgeous chocolate coating creates a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, and trust me, this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe will quickly become your new favorite too.

Homemade chocolate dipped cannoli recipe with ricotta filling on a white kitchen counter, rustic and imperfect for a real homemade look.

Why This Italian Dessert Masterpiece Stands Out

What makes this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe truly exceptional is how it takes the beloved traditional Italian cannoli and gives it a modern twist that's both elegant and delicious. Unlike regular cannoli, this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe adds that extra layer of richness that chocolate lovers crave, while still maintaining all the authentic flavors that make Sicilian pastries so special.

The beauty of this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying crunch of the cannoli shell, the creamy sweetness of the ricotta filling, and then that smooth, decadent chocolate coating that brings everything together. This chocolate dipped cannoli recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I've refined it over the years to create what I believe is the perfect version that anyone can master at home.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Cooking Tips
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Nonna's Secret That Changed Everything
FAQ
Sweet Endings ; More Italian-Inspired Treats
Related
Pairing
Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cannoli Shells

Pre-made cannoli shells
Vegetable oil

For the Ricotta Filling

Whole milk ricotta cheese
Confectioners' sugar
Mascarpone cheese
Vanilla extract
Mini chocolate chips
Orange zest (optional)

For the Chocolate Coating

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Semi-sweet chocolate
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Flat lay of cannoli ingredients including ricotta, mascarpone, chocolate, pistachios, and sugar on a white kitchen counter, photographed overhead in a casual homemade style.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Cannoli Cream Filling

Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer and let it drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, confectioners' sugar, mascarpone, and vanilla extract.
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest if using.
Transfer the filling to a piping bag or large zip-top bag with one corner cut off.
Refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour before using.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating

Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
Allow the chocolate to cool slightly but remain workable, about 5 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for dipping.

Fill the Cannoli Shells

Place filled cannoli on a clean baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Remove the cannoli filling from the refrigerator.
Carefully pipe the filling into both ends of each cannoli shell, working from the center outward.
Fill each shell completely but avoid overfilling, which can cause cracking.
Gently tap each filled cannoli to settle the filling and remove air pockets.

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature Control is Key Keep your chocolate coating at the right temperature ; too hot and it will make the shells soggy, too cool and it won't coat evenly. The ideal temperature is when you can comfortably hold your finger in the chocolate for 2-3 seconds.
Drainage Matters Always drain your ricotta cheese thoroughly. Excess moisture can make your filling runny and cause the cannoli shells to become soft. Some bakers even place the ricotta between paper towels and press gently to remove extra liquid.

Timing is Everything

Fill cannoli shells just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness
If you must prepare ahead, store shells and filling separately
Never refrigerate filled cannoli for more than 2 hours before serving

Shell Selection Tips

Choose shells that feel light and sound hollow when tapped
Avoid shells with any visible cracks or soft spots
Store unused shells in an airtight container to maintain crispness

Piping Perfection Cut your piping bag opening to about ½ inch diameter for optimal filling control. Start piping from one end, then flip and fill from the other end to ensure even distribution throughout the shell.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Flavor Variations

Pistachio Cannoli Version Replace half the ricotta with pistachio cream and add chopped pistachios to the filling. This variation gives you that authentic Sicilian flavor that many consider the gold standard. You can find pistachio cream at Italian specialty stores or make your own by blending pistachios with a little honey.
Chocolate Chip Upgrade Double the mini chocolate chips in your filling and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an extra chocolate boost. Some bakers also like to dip the ends of the filled cannoli in melted chocolate before adding the full coating.

Dietary Modifications

Dairy-Free Option Substitute the ricotta with dairy-free ricotta alternative and use coconut cream instead of mascarpone. For the chocolate coating, choose high-quality dark chocolate that's naturally dairy-free.
Lower Sugar Version Replace confectioners' sugar with powdered erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor remains delicious.
Gluten-Free Alternative Look for gluten-free cannoli shells at specialty stores, or make your own using almond flour and gluten-free flour blend. The filling in this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Tools for Success

Large Mixing Bowl ; A wide, shallow bowl works best for combining ingredients smoothly
Electric Hand Mixer ; Creates the perfect creamy texture for ricotta filling
Fine-Mesh Strainer ; Critical for draining excess liquid from ricotta cheese
Piping Bag or Large Zip-Top Bag ; Ensures clean, even filling of cannoli shells
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl ; For melting chocolate without burning
Parchment Paper ; Prevents chocolate-dipped cannoli from sticking during cooling
Small Offset Spatula ; Helps with smooth chocolate application and cleanup

The success of any chocolate dipped cannoli recipe depends heavily on having the right tools to achieve professional-looking results at home.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

Store unfilled cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep the ricotta filling refrigerated in a covered container for up to 2 days before use.

Freezing Guidelines

The cannoli filling can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before using and re-whip if needed to restore smooth consistency. Never freeze filled cannoli shells as they will lose their crispness.

Assembly Tips

For best results with this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe, assemble just before serving. If you must prepare ahead, limit assembly to no more than 2 hours before serving and store in the refrigerator.

Nonna's Secret That Changed Everything

Here's the game-changing secret that transformed my chocolate dipped cannoli recipe from good to absolutely incredible. My Italian grandmother always added a tiny pinch of espresso powder to her ricotta filling ; not enough to taste coffee, but just enough to intensify all the other flavors and make the chocolate coating taste even more luxurious.

The second secret involves the chocolate coating technique. Instead of simply dipping the entire cannoli, try dipping just the ends first, letting them set, then doing a full dip. This double-dip method ensures the chocolate dipped cannoli recipe produces cannoli with a thicker, more luxurious chocolate shell that won't crack when bitten into.

FAQ

What is in a chocolate cannoli?

A traditional chocolate cannoli contains ricotta cheese filling mixed with confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips, all stuffed into crispy pastry shells. In this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe, we add an extra chocolate coating for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Is mascarpone or ricotta better for cannoli?

Ricotta is the traditional choice and provides the classic cannoli texture, while mascarpone adds richness and creaminess. This chocolate dipped cannoli recipe combines both for the perfect balance of authentic flavor and luxurious texture.

How do you keep cannoli shells crisp after filling?

The key is to fill cannoli shells just before serving and store them in a cool, dry place. Never refrigerate filled cannoli for extended periods, as moisture from the filling will soften the shells.

What is the difference between Italian cannoli and Sicilian cannoli?

Sicilian cannoli are the original version, typically larger with a coarser ricotta filling and often include candied fruits. Italian cannoli variations may be smaller and use smoother fillings with different flavor additions like this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe.

Sweet Endings ; More Italian-Inspired Treats

This chocolate dipped cannoli recipe represents the perfect marriage of traditional Italian baking and modern dessert innovation. The crispy shells paired with creamy ricotta filling and that gorgeous chocolate coating create a dessert that's both familiar and exciting. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your family, this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

If you loved making this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe, you'll definitely want to try our Churro Ice Cream Recipe for another international dessert adventure, or our Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes Recipe for a fun twist on classic American baking. Both recipes share that same attention to detail and flavor balance that makes this chocolate dipped cannoli recipe so special.

With love and sweet treats
By Lisa Johnson 🍫

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