Description
Struffoli are delightful Italian honey balls made from a simple dough that’s fried until golden and coated in a sweet honey glaze. These marble-sized treats are a classic dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
Honey Syrup
- 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
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla. Knead the dough and let it rest for an hour.
- Shaping the Dough: Roll out the dough, cut into strips, then into small pieces.
- Frying: Heat oil, fry dough until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Coating: Heat honey, sugar, and lemon juice. Coat the fried dough in the honey mixture.
- Serving: Arrange the struffoli on a plate, garnish with sprinkles, and serve.
Notes
- Struffoli can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Uncoated dough can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a wreath shape, arrange coated balls in a circle on a plate.
- Alternative flavorings like almond extract can be used.
- Lemon zest adds a nice citrus flavor, but orange zest can be substituted.
- Traditional marble-sized balls can be made larger with adjusted cooking times.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for next-day frying.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 157mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
