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If you have a sweet tooth and love traditional Italian treats, you are going to absolutely adore this Struffoli – Italian Honey Balls Recipe. These tiny, golden, deep-fried dough balls drenched in luscious honey are a festive favorite that brings joy and warmth to any holiday table. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a sticky, sweet hug of honey and citrus, making it truly irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, Struffoli is the perfect recipe to bring a slice of Italian tradition into your kitchen with happiness and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Struffoli is surprisingly simple, yet every ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these delightful honey balls. From the bright hint of lemon zest to the richness of the butter and eggs, let’s explore what makes this treat so special.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of our dough, providing structure and a tender bite.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the honey’s richness.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Infuses a fresh, zesty aroma that keeps every bite vibrant.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a light lift to the dough, keeping the texture airy yet crisp.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Eggs (3): Bind everything together and add structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Canola oil (4 cups): For deep frying; it’s neutral in flavor and heats evenly to create golden balls.
- Honey (1 cup): The star ingredient that coats each fried ball with sticky, sweet goodness.
- Additional granulated sugar (2 teaspoons): Mixed into the honey for that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the honey glaze with a gentle tang.
- Sprinkles (4 tablespoons): Add a festive pop of color and fun to the finished dish.
- Powdered sugar, candied cherries, and nuts: Optional garnishes that add texture, flavor, and charm.
How to Make Struffoli – Italian Honey Balls Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Begin by mixing 2 cups of flour, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This combination forms the base of your dough and sets the stage for that irresistible citrus-kissed flavor.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Add Eggs
Cut the softened butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the dough starts coming together. Whether you’re using a stand mixer or your hands, this step creates a rich and pliable dough.
Step 3: Knead and Rest the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Shape it into a ball, cover it loosely, and let it rest at room temperature for an hour. This gives the gluten time to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Ropes and Cut
Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into strips about as wide as your index finger, then form these into thin ropes roughly 1/4 inch thick. Slice the ropes into marble-sized pieces about 1/4 inch each, ensuring the pieces are well separated to avoid sticking during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Dough Balls
Heat canola oil in a deep pot to 375°F. This high temperature ensures a quick fry, keeping the dough from absorbing too much oil. Fry the balls in small batches, turning frequently for an even golden color. They should take only a couple of minutes to cook. Drain fried balls on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a large pot, gently heat honey, sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in the fried struffoli until every little ball is evenly coated with sweet, sticky honey.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Arrange your honey-coated struffoli in a festive wreath or mound shape on a serving plate. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, and if you like, add powdered sugar, candied cherries, or nuts for an extra special touch. Enjoy every crunchy, sticky, sweet bite!
How to Serve Struffoli – Italian Honey Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Struffoli isn’t just about looks; it’s about adding layers of flavor and texture. Colorful sprinkles bring joy and festivity, while candied cherries lend a chewy sweetness. Toasted nuts add crunch and a nutty depth that complements the honey glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
Struffoli is often enjoyed on its own as a dessert or festive treat, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a rich Italian dessert wine. If you want to balance the sweetness, serve alongside fresh fruit or a lightly sweetened whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional wreath! Struffoli looks stunning stacked like a Christmas tree or even poured into decorative jars as thoughtful homemade gifts. Serving on a platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can elevate its presentation for special gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, place the Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and maintain their delightful crunch for up to three days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing Struffoli isn’t recommended because the honey glaze can become sticky and the texture may change. Instead, it’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh, so you experience its signature crunch and sweetness at its peak.
Reheating
If you want to refresh slightly stale Struffoli, warm them gently in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps restore some of their crispness without melting the honey coating. Avoid microwaving as it will make the texture soggy.
FAQs
What is Struffoli?
Struffoli are tiny Italian honey balls made from deep-fried dough pieces coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze. They are traditionally served during holidays and special occasions, offering a crunchy and sweet delight.
Can I use different types of oil for frying?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point so the balls fry quickly without burning.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
The ideal temperature for frying Struffoli is 375°F. Using a kitchen thermometer is best, but if you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Can I make Struffoli gluten-free?
Traditional Struffoli relies on all-purpose flour for structure. While gluten-free flours can be experimented with, the texture may differ significantly. Using a blend designed for baking gluten-free doughs might yield better results.
How long will Struffoli stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Struffoli remains delicious for up to three days. Beyond that, they may lose their crunch and become chewy as the honey absorbs moisture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making and sharing the Struffoli – Italian Honey Balls Recipe. It’s a sweet tradition filled with warmth, never failing to bring smiles and festive cheer around the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether it’s your first time or a beloved holiday ritual—because every crunchy, honey-sweetened bite is a little celebration in itself.
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Struffoli – Italian Honey Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Struffoli, or Italian honey balls, are a traditional Neapolitan dessert often enjoyed during the holidays. These small, deep-fried dough balls are coated in warm honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles, candied cherries, and nuts, creating a delightful sweet treat that is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying
- 4 cups canola oil (enough for about 2 inches deep in pot)
Honey Syrup & Garnish
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons sprinkles
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Candied cherries (for garnish)
- Nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder to create the dry mix.
- Add butter and wet ingredients: Cut the softened salted butter into small pieces and add to the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture is crumbly or mealy. Then blend in the eggs and vanilla extract using a stand mixer or by hand until combined.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Shape into a ball, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Prepare dough for shaping: Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour to prevent sticking as you handle the dough.
- Roll and cut dough: Roll out dough and cut into strips approximately the width of your index finger. Roll each strip into ropes about 1/4 inch thick.
- Make dough balls: Cut rope into small 1/4 inch pieces roughly the size of marbles. Separate pieces on the work surface to prevent sticking together before frying.
- Heat oil: Heat canola oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C), ensuring there is about 2 inches of oil for deep frying.
- Fry dough balls: Working in small batches so as not to crowd the pan, fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir or turn with a slotted spoon or wire strainer to brown evenly on all sides. Transfer fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare honey syrup: In a large pot, combine honey, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Coat dough balls: Add the fried struffoli to the warm honey syrup and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Assemble and garnish: Arrange the honey-coated struffoli into a wreath shape or a mound like a Christmas tree on a serving platter. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, candied cherries, and optionally nuts. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the oil when frying to ensure even cooking and prevent dough balls from absorbing too much oil.
- Keep finished struffoli warm as honey hardens when cooled, making the dessert stick together better.
- Variations can include adding orange zest or anise seeds to the dough for additional flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; the honey may harden but will soften when warmed.
