Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini)

If you’ve ever visited an Italian bakery, chances are you’ve seen beautiful golden pastry horns filled with silky cream. These Vanilla Cream Rolls, also known as Cannoncini, are classic Italian pastries made with flaky puff pastry shells and filled with smooth vanilla custard.

The pastry is crisp and buttery on the outside while the inside is filled with rich, creamy vanilla custard. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, cannoncini look elegant yet are surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether served at brunch, holidays, or special occasions, these pastries bring the charm of a European bakery right to your kitchen.

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Why I Love This Recipe

Cannoncini are one of those desserts that feel fancy but are actually easy to prepare.

Here’s why this recipe is a favorite:

• Flaky, buttery puff pastry
• Silky homemade vanilla custard
• Beautiful bakery-style presentation
• Perfect for brunch or dessert
• Simple ingredients

They pair wonderfully with a breakfast spread including classics like Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves.

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Ingredients

For the Vanilla Custard

• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz milk

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Ingredient Swaps and Notes

This dessert is flexible if you’d like to experiment with different flavors.

Custard Variations

You can add different flavors to the custard such as:

• Lemon zest
• Almond extract
• Orange zest

Pastry Options

Store-bought puff pastry works beautifully, but if you prefer homemade pastry, you can certainly use it.

Extra Filling Ideas

Instead of vanilla custard, try filling the pastry shells with:

• Sweetened whipped cream
• Chocolate pastry cream
• Mascarpone cream

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How to Make Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini)

1. Heat the Milk

In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.

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2. Prepare the Custard Base

In another saucepan, whisk together:

• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Flour

Mix until smooth and light in color.

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3. Temper the Custard

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

This prevents the eggs from scrambling.

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4. Cook the Custard

Place the mixture over medium heat.

Stir constantly until it thickens into a smooth custard.

Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.

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5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

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6. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide.

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7. Form the Pastry Shells

Wrap each strip of pastry around a metal cannoncini mold or cone.

Overlap slightly to seal the layers.

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8. Egg Wash and Sugar

Brush each pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

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9. Bake

Place the pastry molds on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.

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10. Cool and Fill

Allow the pastry shells to cool completely.

Carefully remove them from the molds.

Fill each pastry with vanilla custard using a piping bag.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cannoncini

Let the custard cool completely

Warm custard can soften the pastry shells.

Use a piping bag

This makes filling the pastry easier and neater.

Bake until deeply golden

Fully baked pastry gives the best crispy texture.

Fill just before serving

This keeps the pastry shells crisp.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These pastries work wonderfully for brunch, dessert tables, or coffee breaks.

They pair beautifully with other breakfast favorites such as:

• Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves
• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack
• The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide – 1 Base Recipe & 6 Easy Flavors

For a balanced brunch spread, add something savory like Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep.

And if you love baked treats, try Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 4 g

These pastries are rich and satisfying, making them perfect for special treats.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Pastry Shell Storage

• Store unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container
• Keeps for 2 days

Custard Storage

• Store in the refrigerator
• Keeps for 3–4 days

Best Serving Method

Fill the cannoncini just before serving to keep them crisp.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy bakery-style desserts and breakfast treats, try these favorites:

• Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails
• Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves
• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack
• The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide – 1 Base Recipe & 6 Easy Flavors
• Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep

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Final Thoughts

These Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini) are a classic pastry that combines crisp puff pastry with smooth vanilla custard for an irresistible dessert. They look elegant enough for special occasions yet are simple enough to make at home.

Whether you’re preparing them for brunch, holidays, or a sweet afternoon treat, these Italian pastries are guaranteed to impress.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your cannoncini turned out and what creative fillings you experimented with!