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
Units
Scale
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