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### Instructions
#### 1. Prepare the Puff Pastry Horns
**Roll out the puff pastry:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into long, thin strips about 1 inch wide.
**Shape the horns:**
Take each strip of puff pastry and wrap it around a cannoli tube or a similar cylindrical object (like the handle of a wooden spoon) to form a horn shape. Overlap the ends of the pastry slightly to ensure they stay together during baking.
**Apply the egg wash:**
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the outside of each pastry horn. This will give the pastry a golden, glossy finish as it bakes. For a bit of extra sweetness, sprinkle the tops with sugar.
**Bake the pastry:**
Place the wrapped pastry horns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool completely before removing them from the tubes. Be gentle when removing the pastry from the cannoli tubes to avoid breaking the delicate shells.
#### 2. Prepare the Cream Filling
**Whip the cream:**
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it forms soft peaks. This will create a light and airy texture for the filling.
**Mix the mascarpone cream:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you’re adding orange zest for a hint of citrus flavor, mix it in now.
**Combine the whipped cream and mascarpone:**
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. This will give the cream filling a light and fluffy consistency. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
#### 3. Stuff the Cannoncini
Once the puff pastry horns have cooled, carefully pipe or spoon the creamy mascarpone mixture into the hollow centers of the pastry shells. Be generous with the filling, as the cream adds a rich, indulgent flavor that perfectly complements the crispiness of the pastry.
#### 4. Serve and Enjoy
Once your **Cannoncini** are filled with the luscious mascarpone cream, they’re ready to be served. For a finishing touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. You can also garnish with a few chocolate shavings or chopped pistachios for added flair and flavor.
### Tips for Success
– **Use cold ingredients:** To achieve a light and airy cream filling, ensure that your heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping. Cold mascarpone cheese will also mix more easily into the cream.
– **Work quickly with puff pastry:** Puff pastry should be handled as little as possible to maintain its flakiness. If the dough becomes too warm while shaping the horns, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
– **Add your favorite flavors:** If you prefer a flavored cream, you can substitute vanilla extract with a splash of amaretto or add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur for a more complex taste.
– **Make ahead:** You can prepare the puff pastry horns and the cream filling separately in advance. Store the pastry horns in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the cream filling chilled in the refrigerator. Just fill the horns right before serving to ensure they stay crispy.
### Why You’ll Love These Cannoncini
**Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini** are an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry and the smooth, rich mascarpone cream filling is simply irresistible. With each bite, you get a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, indulgent sweetness.
These cannons are ideal for entertaining, as they’re visually stunning and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They also make a fantastic end to a delicious Italian meal or a luxurious treat with afternoon coffee.
### Variations to Try
– **Chocolate Cannoncini:** For chocolate lovers, try incorporating melted chocolate into the mascarpone cream filling, or dip the baked puff pastry horns into chocolate before serving.
– **Lemon or Coffee Flavor:** Add a touch of lemon zest or espresso powder to the mascarpone filling to give these cannons a new dimension of flavor.
– **Nutty Twist:** Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or almonds on top of the cream filling for added texture and a nutty flavor.
### The Perfect Italian Pastry
If you’ve never tried **Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini** (Puff Pastry Horns), this recipe is a must. From the crispy, golden pastry to the sweet, creamy filling, they’re a little bite of heaven in every single mouthful. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these elegant pastries are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the magic of Italy with every bite!
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