Cannoli (the singular is cannolo) are one of the best known and loved desserts in the Sicilian tradition. They are ricotta-filled tube-shaped shells of pastry dough made of flour, cocoa, coffee, sugar and butter. The shells are shaped into hollow tubes with a metal cannoli mold. The filling is made of ricotta and confectioner’s sugar.

To enjoy delicious cannoli, it is important to stuff them just a few minutes before eating. Otherwise the ricotta filling can make the shell soggy and ruin its characteristic crispness. Strictly speaking, it is important to choose sheep ricotta for the filling.

This dessert is perfect to enjoy while walking, but it has also grown popular with foodies as a breakfast treat. Some people like to decorate the ends with chocolate, minced pistachios or candied fruit. You should try them all to decide which is your favorite.