Nothing says Christmas in Spain like the sweet and aromatic scent of Canelones, a delightful dessert that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. These Sweet Cinnamon Cannoli are a classic Spanish treat that will have your home filled with the inviting fragrance of cinnamon and sugar. Crispy and flaky on the outside, with a creamy and decadent filling, they are perfect for serving at holiday parties or enjoying as a cozy night treat by the fireplace. Let’s dive into making this delicious recipe that will surely become a staple in your Christmas baking traditions!
**Canelones Sweet Cinnamon Cannoli**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup white wine
– Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Filling:**
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons candied orange peel, chopped
– 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubes of butter and using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly mixture.
2. Slowly pour in the white wine while mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling by combining the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, candied orange peel, and dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Mix well until the filling is smooth and well combined. Place the filling in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface until very thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each dough circle around a metal cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Carefully fry the cannoli shells in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
6. Once the cannoli shells are cool, gently slide them off the tubes. Fill a piping bag with the prepared ricotta filling and pipe it into each end of the cannoli shells. You can also dip the ends of the cannoli in chopped pistachios or powdered sugar for extra decoration.
7. Serve the Canelones Sweet Cinnamon Cannoli immediately and watch as they disappear in no time! These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Enjoy these Sweet Cinnamon Cannoli as a festive addition to your holiday dessert table or as a special treat to share with family and friends. The warm flavors of cinnamon and creamy ricotta filling will evoke the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Make these delicious Canelones a part of your holiday baking traditions for years to come!
