What is Italian Struffoli?

Struffoli are small and round balls of fried dough drizzled with honey and topped with colorful sprinkles. Italian Struffoli are traditionally served during Christmas in Italy. The dough is flavored with citrus zest and is deep fried golden, and the dough balls are coated in a warm honey syrup. The final touch is colorful sprinkles wich make it a festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Key Ingredients

For the dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using all-purpose flour to provide structure for the dough, allowing it to hold its shape during frying while keeping the struffoli light and crisp.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar in the dough adds subtle sweetness and helps balance the honey coating.
• Eggs: Fresh, large eggs work best to bind the ingredients together and provide moisture, giving the dough a soft texture before frying.
• Butter: Adds richness to the dough, enhancing flavor and creating a tender crumb. I suggest using unsalted butter for the best control over the flavor.

For the honey coating:

• Honey: The star of the coating, honey gives the struffoli their signature sticky sweetness. Use a high-quality honey for a rich flavor that complements the dough.
• Lemon and Orange Zest: I love adding fresh lemon and orange zest for a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the honey. Zest the fruits just before adding to keep the flavors bright.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying the dough balls to a golden crisp. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower oil, to avoid overpowering the flavor.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the honey-coated struffoli. They add a fun pop of color and a slight crunch that makes each bite more enjoyable.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the dough, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and honey.

Expert Tips

Deep-Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a light and airy texture. Fry the dough balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Honey Coating: Warm the honey slightly before coating the Struffoli to ensure even coverage.

Make-Ahead: Struffoli can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and add the sprinkles just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Zest: Use fresh lemon and orange zest for the best flavor. The citrus adds a bright note to the sweet dough.

Variations and Substitutions

Nutty Struffoli: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the honey-coated dough balls for added texture and flavor.

Spiced Honey: Infuse the honey with a cinnamon stick or a bit of ground nutmeg for a spiced version.

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the honey-coated Struffoli for a decadent twist.

Dried Fruits: Mix in some finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for added sweetness and color.

How to Store Italian Honey Balls?

Got any leftovers after Christmas? Store the Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The honey coating helps keep the dough balls moist and flavorful. To keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve?

Serve Classic Struffoli on a large platter in a pyramid or wreath shape and decorated with extra sprinkles. This dessert can be eaten on its own or with a cup of coffee. It also makes a great Christmas food gift for friends and family.

And if You love Italian Christmas desserts, I highly recommend trying out this Italian Panettone With Chocolate!