This recipe creates a flaky puff pastry wrapped into delicate cones, baked until crisp, and generously filled with whipped cream or vanilla cream. Puff pastry cream cones are playful, elegant, and dangerously addictive.
You can serve them at a party, as an afternoon coffee companion, or as a “just because” treat and these little delights are guaranteed to disappear faster than you can make them.
What Are Puff Pastry Cream Cones?
Puff pastry cream cones are a classic European-style dessert, most famously known in Italy as cannoncini. The name translates to “little cannons,” thanks to their shape, pastry strips spiraled around a cone mold and baked until crisp and golden. Traditionally, they’re filled with custard, pastry cream, or whipped cream, though modern variations also feature chocolate, hazelnut cream, or even fruit fillings.
Their charm lies in the contrast, the crisp, caramelized sugar-coated shell paired with the soft cream inside. They’re the kind of pastry you’d expect to see behind a glass display at a charming patisserie, but luckily, they’re easy enough to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Pro Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Cones
Work with cold puff pastry so it’s easier to cut and wrap around the molds.
No molds? No problem. Simply roll aluminum foil into sturdy cone shapes, you’ll get the same result.
Don’t skip brushing with milk and rolling in sugar. This creates a caramelized outer shell with extra crispiness.
Go classic with vanilla pastry cream, keep it light with whipped cream, or go fancy with chocolate mousse.
Cannoncini, also known as puff pastry cream cones, are a beloved Italian pastry: crisp, golden puff pastry filled with silky pastry cream. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself with something truly delightful.
Ingredients (Makes about 12 cones)
For the Pastry Cones:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
(Optional for garnish: powdered sugar or melted chocolate)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry Cones
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it.
- Cut the pastry into long strips about 1 inch wide.
- Grease metal cone molds (or make DIY molds with foil).
- Wrap each strip of pastry around a cone mold, slightly overlapping as you go.
- Place wrapped cones on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Beat the egg and brush over each cone for shine. Sprinkle with sugar.
2. Bake the Cones
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then gently remove the pastry from the molds.
3. Make the Pastry Cream
- In a saucepan, heat the milk until just simmering.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter.
- Let cool completely (cover with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent a skin).
4. Fill the Cones
- Once both pastry shells and cream are cooled, transfer the pastry cream into a piping bag.
- Pipe cream into each cone until filled.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
- Store unfilled cones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Fill just before serving.
- You can also try different fillings like whipped cream, Nutella cream, or custard with fruit.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Cannoncini are a show-stopping dessert that looks bakery-quality but is simple enough to make at home. With their flaky layers and rich cream filling, they’re guaranteed to impress family and friends.
