Imagine biting into a crisp, golden pastry shell that cradles a velvety, sweet cream filling—this is the delightful experience of savoring cannoncini an Italian pastry. Originating from Italy’s rich culinary tradition, cannoncini an Italian pastry takes its rightful place among the legends of Cream Puff Pastry Recipes. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside an espresso or gifting a batch to loved ones, these flaky treats turn even the simplest moments into joyful memories.

As a child, I remember watching in awe as my grandmother skillfully crafted Italian cream horns in her quaint kitchen. The aroma of the buttery pastry filled the room, and I couldn’t wait for that first bite. Her stories of how she learned to make cannoncini in her own mother’s kitchen added a nostalgic warmth to the dish, making every bite a cherished connection to our heritage.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try these delightful almond pastry cookies or indulge in the flaky, buttery goodness of these Kouign-Amann French pastries. They capture the essence of delightful pastries that pairs beautifully with that Italian flair.
Why You’ll Love This Canonccini an Italian Pastry
- Easy to make: This delightful treat involves simple steps, requiring no fancy tools just a passion for delightful Cream Puff Pastry Recipes.
- Flexible: You can easily swap ingredients and try different fillings for a unique taste each time.
- Great for busy days, families, or guests: These light sweets are perfect to prepare and enjoy for a serene tea party or special occasions, turning them into joyful memories.
- Baked Goods That Last Long: Make ahead of time and keep them fresh so everyone can enjoy them later.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Canonccini
Tools You’ll Need
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Pastry Brush
- Sharp Knife
- Cooling Rack
Step 1: Preparation for the Cannoncini
- Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
- 1 Cup Whipped Cream
- 1/2 Cup Pastry Cream
- 3/4 Cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Step 2: Cooking the Canonccini
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry to a thin layer and cut it into strips around one inch wide. Grease the pastry horn molds and wrap each strip around the mold starting from the point. Ensure there is a little overlap in each layer. Brush the wrapped molds with egg wash and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove pastry from molds while it is still warm but not too hot to handle.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Mix the ricotta cheese, whipped cream, and pastry cream along with vanilla extract to make the filling. Use a piping bag to fill each cooled cannoncini shell. Once filled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve them elegant on a platter, best alongside Italian espresso.
Tips for the Best Canonccini Every Time
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold while working to maintain flakiness.
- Don’t overfill the cones with cream; a modest amount maintains clean lines.
- Adjust sweetness by balancing sugar in the filling according to your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-baking the puff pastry can result in a too crispy texture, so keep a close eye while baking.
- Filling when pastry is hot makes the cream runny. Ensure proper cooling.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Add ground pistachio for a crunchy texture atop the cream filling.
- Experiment with fillings like chocolate cream or lemon curd for variation.
- Create a festive flair with colored sugars for different occasions.
Occasions Perfect for This Recipe
- Holiday celebrations especially Christmas parties.
- Wedding receptions for an elegant dessert option.
- Perfect treat for a Mother’s Day brunch or afternoon tea.
FAQs
Q: What is cannoncini?
Cannoncini, known as Italian cream horns, are delightful pastries that consist of a flaky, buttery shell filled with sweet cream or ricotta. They are a popular dessert in Italian cuisine.
Q: What is the difference between cannoncini and cannoli?
The primary difference lies in the shell and filling. Cannoncini are made with a puff pastry shell, while cannoli use a fried pastry shell. The fillings also vary, with cannoncini often filled with cream, whereas cannoli typically contain a ricotta mixture.
Q: How do you pronounce cannoncini?
Cannoncini is pronounced as “kah-nohn-CHEE-nee.” The emphasis is on the ‘chee’ syllable, reflecting its Italian origin.
Q: Can you freeze cannoncini?
Yes, you can freeze cannoncini. It’s best to freeze them without the filling and fill them just before serving to maintain their delightful texture and freshness. Remember that Baked Goods That Last Long are perfect for prepping ahead.
Q: Are cannoncini difficult to make?
With the right guidance and tools, cannoncini are quite simple to prepare. Following a structured recipe can make it an enjoyable experience without being too challenging, making them an ideal start for those who love Light Sweets Desserts.

The art of making cannoncini an Italian pastry seamlessly bridges culinary tradition with delightful indulgence. Whether you’re trying it for a special occasion or simply savoring the beauty of Cream Puff Pastry Recipes in your kitchen, this journey into Italian flavors promises warmth and satisfaction. Their elegance and versatility make them a noteworthy treat for anyone craving a touch of sweetness.
If you’re exploring more, don’t hesitate to delve into this last classic French croissant recipe for another rich pastry delight.
We would love to hear about your cannoncini creations! Feel free to leave a comment, share the joy with friends, or bookmark this recipe for your next baking adventure!
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cannoncini an italian pastry
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 cannoncini
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the delightful indulgence of cannoncini, a beloved Italian dessert. Cradle your taste buds in the rich tradition of Cream Puff Pastry Recipes with these Light Sweets Desserts that promise warmth and satisfaction. Perfect for Baked Goods That Last Long, their buttery shell and velvety filling will elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
- 1 Cup Whipped Cream
- 1/2 Cup Pastry Cream
- 3/4 Cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry thinly and cut into 1-inch wide strips.
- Grease pastry horn molds and wrap strips around them, starting from the point.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove pastries from molds while warm.
- Mix ricotta cheese, whipped cream, pastry cream, and vanilla extract for the filling.
- Fill cooled pastry shells with the cream mixture using a piping bag.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain flakiness.
- Do not overfill with cream to keep lines clean.
- Balance sugar in the filling to taste.