06/16/2026
Happy national cannoli day!!!!
Before cannoli became a staple at Italian bakeries and family celebrations, they began their journey hundreds of years ago in Sicily.
Historians believe cannoli originated near the city of Caltanissetta during the period of Arab rule in Sicily (roughly 827–1091 AD). The Arabs introduced ingredients that would become essential to Sicilian desserts, including sugar cane, citrus fruits, almonds, and new methods of agriculture. These influences helped shape what would eventually become the cannoli we know today.
One popular story traces the creation of cannoli to women living in convents, while another credits women in the emir’s harem with developing early versions of the dessert. While the exact origin remains debated, most food historians agree that the cannoli is deeply rooted in Sicily’s unique melting pot of history and cultures.
Originally, cannoli were made as a special treat during Carnevale, the festive celebration before Lent. Over time, their popularity grew, and they became a year-round favorite throughout Sicily.
The word cannolo means “little tube” or “little reed,” referring to the hollow pastry shell’s shape. Traditionally, the shells were wrapped around wooden dowels before frying. Once cooled, they were filled with sweetened sheep’s milk ricotta, a staple ingredient in Sicilian cuisine.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their favorite recipes with them. Cannoli quickly became a beloved part of Italian-American bakeries.
We do our best to honor those Sicilian roots while embracing the creativity that has always been part of the cannoli’s story. From traditional ricotta fillings to flavors inspired by Vermont ingredients, every cannoli is our way of celebrating a dessert that has connected generations, cultures, and communities for centuries.
One bite, and you’re tasting a little piece of history.
