Overview:

Cannoncini are delicious Italian puff pastry horns, traditionally filled with a rich, sweet cream. This lighter version keeps the indulgence but cuts down on the calories and WW points. Using light puff pastry and a creamy ricotta and Greek yogurt filling, these Cannoncini satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your Weight Watchers plan.

Perfect for a special treat or dessert, these stuffed puff pastry horns offer the sweetness and crunch of the classic Italian dessert but in a more health-conscious way. They are easy to make and great for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet light puff pastry (like Pepperidge Farm Light Puff Pastry, 17.3 oz sheet)
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for added creaminess)
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (or a sugar substitute like Stevia, if preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (for a fresh, zesty flavor)
  • Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
    Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Then, wrap each strip around the outside of a cannoli mold or horn mold. If you don’t have a mold, you can form the pastry into a spiral or cone shape, which will also work beautifully. Place the formed pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake the Puff Pastry Horns:
    Bake the puff pastry cones for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Filling:
    While the pastry cools, combine the reduced-fat ricotta, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar (or sugar substitute), vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Fill the Cannoncini:
    Once the puff pastry cones have cooled, carefully remove them from the molds and fill them with the ricotta and yogurt mixture. You can use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the pastry horns.
  6. Optional Garnish:
    For a finishing touch, dust the filled cannoncini with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with sugar-free chocolate syrup for a bit of extra sweetness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 110
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • WW Points (Green/Blue/Purple): 3-4 points (depends on the exact ingredients used)

Notes:

  • Serving Size: This recipe makes about 8-10 stuffed cannoncini, depending on the size of the pastry horns.
  • Variations: You can add a bit of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist, or fold in a few mini chocolate chips to the ricotta mixture for a richer flavor.

These cannoli-inspired treats are a perfect way to enjoy a classic Italian dessert without breaking your healthy eating goals.