Name: Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, divided (plus extra for dusting); 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 2 Tablespoons salted butter, softened; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups canola oil for frying; 1 cup honey; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon Rainbow or Christmas decorating sprinkles; powdered sugar, candied cherries, or nuts for garnish

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Get ready to fall in love with Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls), a delightful Italian dessert that turns pantry staples into cute, marble-sized dough balls, deep-fried until golden and bathed in a dreamy honey glaze! Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) are a tradition in many Italian homes during the holidays, but they’re so light and zesty, you’ll be tempted to make them any time of year. With their sweet crunch and shower of colorful sprinkles, they disappear as soon as you put them on the table—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) call for simple, familiar ingredients, but each plays a critical role in creating flavor, color, and that irresistible poppable texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need for dough and honey glaze, plus a few fun garnishes!

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough—make sure to have a little extra for dusting so your hands and board stay mess-free.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to both the dough and honey glaze.
Lemon zest: Brings sunshine-bright citrus notes to each bite; if you have an orange, you can swap the zest for a fun twist.
Salt: A pinch creates flavor balance and keeps the sweets from becoming overwhelming.
Baking powder: Gives the dough its light lift—no one wants dense struffoli!
Salted butter: Softened butter weaves in richness; room temperature makes it easier to blend.
Large eggs: These bind everything together, adding a gorgeous golden color and soft, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: A whisper of vanilla perfume rounds out the overall flavor—try almond or rum extract for variation!
Canola oil: For deep frying—neutral flavor and high smoke point make it a perfect match for this recipe.
Honey: The hero of the syrup! Its floral sweetness is classic for Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls).
Lemon juice: Just a splash in the glaze to brighten and balance the honey.
Rainbow/Christmas sprinkles: Not just for looks—they add a crunchy pop and that festive feeling.
Optional garnishes: Powdered sugar, candied cherries, or toasted nuts give your platter a personal touch, especially during the holidays!

How to Make Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by whisking together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder in a big bowl. Add the cubed, softened butter and mix with your hands or a stand mixer until everything feels like damp sand. Next, blend in the eggs and vanilla. Don’t worry if the dough feels sticky—it’ll come together beautifully after kneading!

Step 2: Knead and Rest

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a couple minutes. Once it’s smooth, shape it into a ball, cover, and let it rest at room temperature for an hour. This gives gluten time to relax, making your Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) light and airy after frying.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Dust your hands and work surface with flour. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick and slice it into strips as wide as your index finger. Roll each strip into ropes about a ¼ inch thick, then cut them into marble-sized pieces. No need to roll them into perfect balls—the frying will round them out!

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 inches of canola oil in a pot to 375°F. Fry the dough balls in batches—don’t crowd the pan. Watch as each one puffs up and turns beautifully golden, which takes just a couple of minutes. Use a slotted spoon to turn them as they cook, and transfer each finished batch to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Bathe in Honey Glaze

In a large pot, gently heat the honey, sugar, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and enticingly fragrant. Remove from the heat, add all of the Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls), and toss carefully to coat every piece in that sticky, glossy syrup.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

Transfer the coated Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) to your serving plate, arranging them in a festive wreath or piled high like a Christmas tree. Sprinkle generously with rainbow or holiday sprinkles, and finish with powdered sugar, candied cherries, or nuts if you like. Serve and watch these bites disappear!

How to Serve Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)

Garnishes

Sprinkles are just the start! Classic Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) glow with a dusting of powdered sugar, glistening candied cherries tucked here and there, or even toasted nuts for a crunchy twist. These tiny finishing touches add color, crunch, and an extra burst of flavor that makes your platter shine at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Serve Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) alongside fresh fruit salads, espresso, or a creamy scoop of gelato for dessert. Their sweet, floral honey flavor matches beautifully with a tart citrus compote or even a simple cup of coffee for a satisfying snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try shaping your Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) into a holiday wreath: place a glass in the middle of your plate, arrange the honeyed balls around it, and remove the glass before serving. Or, pile them in a cone shape for a Christmas tree effect and decorate with candied cherries like ornaments. Mini cupcake liners are another fun way to serve individual portions at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Room temperature is perfectly fine for storing finished Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls). Just place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly—they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The honey syrup helps keep them moist, but avoid humid spots to prevent stickiness.

Freezing

If you want to make life easy, you can actually freeze unglazed Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) for up to two months! Once fried and cooled, store them in a well-sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and proceed with the honey glaze and sprinkles so they’re as fresh and vibrant as ever.

Reheating

To perk up leftover Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls), just pop them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes until they’re gently warmed. This reactivates the honey glaze and brings back a fresh-from-the-fryer feel. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use something besides lemon zest?

Absolutely! You can substitute orange zest for a lovely citrus twist, or leave it out if you have neither, though the citrus really complements the honey syrup in Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls).

What oil is best for frying Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)?

Canola oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but any light vegetable oil will work well; avoid olive oil as its flavor can overwhelm the sweets.

Do I need to roll each dough piece into a perfect ball?

Nope! Just cut the ropes into marble-sized pieces and let the hot oil do the work—the balls puff up and round out during frying, saving you lots of fiddly shaping.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can knead and refrigerate the dough (covered in plastic wrap) overnight. Bring to room temperature before rolling, cutting, and frying to make your batch of Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) as easy as possible.

What’s the traditional presentation for Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)?

The classic look is a wreath or mound, often embellished with rainbow sprinkles and candied cherries for a festive effect, but mini portion cups or ice cream cones are cute for parties!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add sparkle and tradition to your dessert table, there’s no better treat than Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls). They’re playful, eye-catching, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—the kind of recipe that brings joy whether you’re baking for a crowd or sharing a sweet moment with family. I hope you’ll give this classic Italian favorite a try and make it part of your own celebrations!