How to Make Puff Pastry Cannoli: the Smart and Quick Trick Using Parchment Paper

Cannoli are beloved for their crunchy, unique shells, but replicating them at home can be time-consuming and tricky. Enter puff pastry cannoli, a simpler yet delicious alternative. However, maintaining their perfect shape can be a challenge. That's why we're excited to share the cheat cannoli parchment paper trick! This method ensures perfectly shaped cannoli using just parchment paper.

How to Make Cheat Cannoli With Parchment Paper

Mastering the parchment paper trick for puff pastry cannoli involves a few simple but crucial steps. Begin by folding a piece of baking paper several times into the shape of a triangle, creating a sturdy mold to maintain the shape during baking. Next, cut thin strips of puff pastry and wrap them around the parchment paper triangle, ensuring the strips overlap slightly to avoid gaps, and press gently to secure without restricting the pastry's expansion. Brush the wrapped pastry with a beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color and crisp finish. Finally, place the prepared triangles on a baking sheet and bake at 180ºC (356ºF) for about 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. This method ensures perfectly shaped, delicious puff pastry cannoli with minimal fuss.

How to Prevent Parchment Paper from Burning

One concern when using parchment paper in the oven is burning. To avoid this, ensure the parchment paper is neatly tucked and doesn't hang over the edges of the baking sheet. You can also dampen the parchment paper slightly before wrapping the puff pastry around it. This added moisture helps prevent the paper from scorching during baking. Additionally, always keep an eye on your cannoli while they bake to catch any signs of burning early on.

How to Fill and Store Your Cheat Cannoli

Once your cannoli shells are baked to perfection, it's time to fill them. Traditional fillings include ricotta cheese mixed with powdered sugar and perhaps some chocolate chips or candied fruit. Pipe the filling into the cooled cannoli shells just before serving to keep them crisp. If you need to prepare them in advance, store the empty shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For filled cannoli, they are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To maintain their crispiness, place them on a paper towel-lined plate and cover them loosely with plastic wrap. Avoid stacking them, as this can cause the shells to become soggy.