Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add cold water a little at a time until it forms a cohesive ball.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the butter and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Shape the Cannoncini

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut the Dough: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
4. Wrap the Molds: Take small cannoli molds or cone-shaped baking molds and wrap each strip of dough around the mold, overlapping slightly. Ensure the dough adheres well to the mold.
5. Bake: Place the molds on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before carefully removing the molds.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add Cornstarch: If you want a thicker filling, sprinkle in the cornstarch and continue to whip until fully incorporated and the cream holds stiff peaks.

Step 4: Fill the Cannoncini

1. Fill Pastries: Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each cooled cannoncini with the vanilla cream. Make sure to fill them generously to enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite.
2. Garnish: Dust the filled cannoncini with powdered sugar and add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top, if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the filled vanilla cream rolls on a serving platter and enjoy them fresh. These pastries are best enjoyed the same day they are made, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Tips for the Perfect Cannoncini

• Chill the Dough: Ensuring the dough is well-chilled will prevent it from becoming too soft and will help achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to overfill the rolls, be careful not to overdo it, as the cream can spill out.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different flavorings to the cream filling, such as almond extract or lemon zest, for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini) are a delightful treat that brings a taste of Italy to your home. With their crispy texture and creamy filling, they are perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and enjoy these delicious pastries with family and friends! Buon appetito!