Description
Classic Struffoli are delightful, bite-sized Italian honey balls that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, drizzled with honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon citrus zest (lemon or orange)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Honey for drizzling (estimate 1/2 cup)
- Colorful sprinkles for topping (to taste)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oil)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and citrus zest (and optional liqueur or vanilla if using).
- Mix with a fork or spatula until a rough dough forms, then bring it together and knead briefly until smooth and elastic (about 3–4 minutes).
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into thin ropes (about 1/2-inch / 1.2 cm thick) and cut into small pieces about the size of a chickpea.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the dough pieces in batches until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes per batch).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Warm the honey slightly and drizzle it over the fried struffoli, tossing gently to coat.
- Mound the struffoli on a serving platter and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before serving.
Notes
These values reflect a traditional preparation with honey drizzling and some oil absorption from frying.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 186mg