If you have a hankering for a classic Italian treat that bursts with sweet, citrusy flavor and a delightful crunch, this Struffoli Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tiny, golden dough balls, fried to perfection and lovingly coated in warm honey, offer a taste of tradition that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert or a unique snack, making Struffoli at home brings a wonderful sense of joy and nostalgia to your kitchen, and the beauty is in how simple the ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor in this Struffoli Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building that classic harmony of crispy, sweet, and citrusy notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 3 large eggs: They bind the dough and add richness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the honey glaze.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the dough with fresh citrus aroma.
- Zest of 1 orange: Adds a sweet and fragrant citrus note, complementing the lemon zest.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a light, airy texture inside the dough balls.
- Neutral oil (canola or sunflower) for deep frying: Essential for achieving that golden crisp exterior.
- 1 cup honey: The sticky, luscious star of the coating.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the honey glaze for the perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds brightness and cut through the sweetness.
- Sprinkles (nonpareils or rainbow jimmies): For that festive, colorful finish!
How to Make Struffoli Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Adding the dry ingredients first helps everything disperse evenly. Then mix in the eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and the zesty lemon and orange peels. The citrus zest is a game changer here—it fills the dough with such bright, fragrant aromas. Knead the mixture on a floured surface until you have a soft, smooth dough, then let it rest wrapped in plastic for 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting time is crucial for the dough’s elasticity and flavor development.
Step 2: Shape the Struffoli
After the dough has rested, divide it into quarters for easier handling. Roll each piece into a half-inch thick rope, then cut the rope into tiny marble-sized pieces. I love this part because it’s meditative and fun—rolling each small piece between your palms into perfect little balls makes the final dish look like a work of art. These miniature dough balls will fry up crisp and golden, with a chewy inside.
Step 3: Fry the Dough Balls
Next, heat your neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. The oil needs to be hot enough to cook the dough balls quickly while keeping them tender inside. Fry them in small batches so they don’t stick together or overcrowd the pan. Stir gently to ensure even browning. When they have a beautiful golden color, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Perfectly fried struffoli have a nice crunch and will soak up that honey glaze in the next step.
Step 4: Coat in Honey
In a skillet over low heat, gently warm the honey, sugar, and optional lemon juice until the sugar dissolves completely. This honey coating is what transforms the fried dough balls into a glossy, sweet masterpiece. Toss the warm struffoli in the honey mixture, stirring gently to coat every single piece. Transfer them to a serving dish, shaping them into a mound or classic ring shape. While still warm, top your creation with colorful sprinkles for a festive and joyful presentation.
How to Serve Struffoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are traditional and add that beautiful pop of color and fun texture, but you can also get creative with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to add crunch and a nutty layer. Candied citrus peel pairs beautifully, echoing the citrus zest in the dough and brightening the overall flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Given their sweet nature, Struffoli work wonderfully alongside a strong cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. Pair them with fresh fruit or lightly whipped cream to balance the honey’s richness and provide refreshing contrast during the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Shape your Struffoli into wreaths for a stunning holiday centerpiece or pile them high in a rustic bowl for casual sharing. You can even serve individual portions in small glass jars layered with whipped mascarpone and berries for an elegant twist that blends tradition with modern presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their crispness for 2 to 3 days, perfect if you want to nibble on them a bit longer after your initial feast.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Struffoli fresh for longer, freezing is an option. Freeze them uncoated in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Once ready to eat, thaw briefly and warm in a low oven before adding the honey glaze.
Reheating
To reheat Struffoli, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy. After warming, toss them gently in fresh honey glaze for that irresistible shine and sweetness.
FAQs
What makes Struffoli different from other fried dough desserts?
Struffoli are unique because they are tiny, honey-coated dough balls that come from Italy’s Naples region. Their signature is the sweet honey glaze and citrus zest, creating a delightful sweetness balanced with a fresh, bright aroma.
Can I make Struffoli without deep frying?
While traditional Struffoli are deep fried to get that perfect crisp exterior and tender inside, some people bake them as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind the texture will be different—less crunchy but still delicious with the honey coating.
Is there a gluten-free version of the Struffoli Recipe?
You can experiment by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be mindful that the texture might change, and you may need to adjust liquid content. Working with gluten-free doughs often requires a bit more patience in kneading and shaping.
How long do Struffoli last fresh?
Stored correctly in an airtight container, Struffoli stay fresh and crisp for up to three days at room temperature. Beyond that, they can start to lose their crunch.
What types of honey work best for the coating?
A mild-flavored honey like clover or acacia is ideal so it doesn’t overpower the delicate citrus notes. However, you can experiment with orange blossom honey to complement the zest or a wildflower honey for a richer floral touch.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that once you make this Struffoli Recipe, it will become a beloved tradition in your kitchen. The joy of frying those little dough balls, coating them in sticky honey, and topping with festive sprinkles is pure happiness on a plate. Whether for a holiday celebration or a cozy afternoon treat, Struffoli brings warmth, sweetness, and a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into this charming Italian classic—you won’t regret it!
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Struffoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Struffoli is a traditional Italian dessert featuring small, fried dough balls coated in a warm honey and sugar glaze, often garnished with colorful sprinkles. This festive treat is perfect for celebrations and offers a delightful combination of crispy texture and sweet, citrus-infused flavor.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Frying:
- Neutral oil (canola or sunflower), for deep frying
For the Honey Coating:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Sprinkles (nonpareils or rainbow jimmies)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Struffoli: After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rope into small marble-sized pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form round dough balls.
- Fry the Dough Balls: In a deep saucepan or frying pan, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, until the dough balls are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat in Honey: In a large skillet, heat the honey, sugar, and lemon juice over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Add the fried dough balls and stir gently until they are evenly coated in the honey mixture. Transfer the coated struffoli to a serving platter and shape into a mound or a ring. Immediately top with nonpareils or festive sprinkles while still warm.
Notes
- Be sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent the dough balls from absorbing too much oil.
- The dough balls should be small and uniform for even cooking.
- Honey coating is best applied while warm for optimal coverage and stickiness.
- Struffoli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- You can omit the lemon juice if you prefer a sweeter, less tangy glaze.
