Golden, crispy, and coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze—Struffoli is the ultimate Italian holiday treat! These little fried dough balls are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and piled high into a festive tower of deliciousness. Traditionally served around Christmas and Easter, Struffoli is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings family and friends together. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking!
Why You’ll Love Struffoli
Festive & Fun: Struffoli is as beautiful as it is delicious. The golden honey-glazed balls are arranged in a wreath or pyramid shape, making them a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Crispy Yet Soft: The perfect texture combination—light and airy on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Sweet Honey Glaze: The sticky, fragrant honey coating makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Add citrus zest, cinnamon, or sprinkles to make it your own!
Great for Sharing: This is a dessert meant to be enjoyed with loved ones, whether at Christmas, Easter, or any celebration.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic Italian treat:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the Struffoli.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness for the dough.
Butter: Adds flavor and softness to the dough.
Lemon & Orange Zest: A classic Italian touch that brings bright, citrusy notes.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Baking Powder: Helps the dough puff up slightly when fried.
Vegetable Oil: For deep-frying the dough balls to golden perfection.
Honey: The star of the glaze, giving Struffoli its signature sticky sweetness.
Sprinkles: A festive touch to make it extra fun and colorful.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and citrus zest. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead & Rest: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Dough: Cut the dough into small portions, then roll each portion into long ropes. Cut the ropes into small pieces (about the size of a hazelnut) and roll them into tiny balls.
Fry the Dough Balls: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough balls in batches, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Honey Glaze: In a saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm and runny. Remove from heat.
Coat the Struffoli: Transfer the fried dough balls into a large bowl and pour the warm honey over them. Toss until evenly coated.
Assemble & Decorate: Arrange the Struffoli in a wreath or pyramid shape on a serving plate. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles and let the honey set before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Struffoli
As a Wreath: Arrange the honey-coated Struffoli in a circular shape for a classic holiday presentation.
With Extra Honey: Drizzle additional honey over the top just before serving for extra sweetness.
Paired with Coffee or Tea: The perfect afternoon treat alongside a hot beverage.
With Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and get even golden-brown results.
Make It Ahead: You can fry the Struffoli a day ahead and coat them in honey right before serving.
Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum to the dough for extra depth of flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftover Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake Struffoli instead of frying?
A1: While traditional Struffoli is fried, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Q2: Can I use different toppings?
A2: Absolutely! Try chopped nuts, candied fruit, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
Q3: Why is my Struffoli too hard?
A3: Over-kneading the dough or frying at too low a temperature can make them tough. Knead just until smooth and keep the oil hot enough for a quick fry.
Q4: Can I use a different type of honey?
A4: Yes! Any high-quality honey works well, but try orange blossom honey for a citrusy touch.
Q5: How do I prevent the dough balls from sticking together when frying?
A5: Fry in small batches and stir gently while frying to keep them separate.
Q6: Can I make the dough in advance?
A6: Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to a day in advance. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Q7: Can I make a larger batch?
A7: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and fry in multiple batches.
Q8: How do I keep Struffoli fresh?
A8: Store in an airtight container at room temperature and refresh with a little warmed honey before serving.
Q9: Can I add chocolate?
A9: Yes! A drizzle of melted chocolate over the honey-coated Struffoli is a fun twist.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
A10: Arrange them in mini cupcake liners for easy, grab-and-go portions.
Conclusion
Struffoli is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration in every bite! Whether you’re making it for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, this golden, honey-drenched treat is sure to bring joy to your table. Try it once, and it’ll become a tradition in your home. Happy cooking!
Print
Struffoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Struffoli, a traditional Italian dessert, is the perfect holiday treat! These crispy, golden honey balls are infused with orange zest and coated in a sweet honey glaze. Served in a festive wreath shape, these treats are perfect for celebrations. With their crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful center, Struffoli are irresistible to all!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying (5-6 cups)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Rainbow nonpareils (for decoration)
Instructions
- In a food processor, add eggs and pulse until frothy. Add orange zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and melted butter, and process until combined and foamy.
- Add flour and baking powder and pulse just until the dough comes together. The dough will be sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Once chilled, divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each section into a long rope about the thickness of your finger. Cut into ½ to 1-inch pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, about the size of a marble, and lightly flour them to prevent sticking.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the dough balls in batches, turning them to ensure even browning.
- Remove fried dough balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- To make the glaze, combine honey, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
- Add the fried dough balls to the honey glaze and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Form a wreath on a round plate or in a springform pan by piling the glazed dough balls around a drinking glass in the center.
- Sprinkle with rainbow nonpareils and let the Struffoli set for 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, carefully remove the glass from the center and serve the delicious, honey-coated Struffoli!
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
- Struffoli are best served the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of the recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg