As the scent of warm honey dances through the air, I can’t help but smile. Struffoli, those delightful little Italian honey balls, always remind me of family gatherings and celebrations. There's something incredibly satisfying about crafting these sweet morsels from scratch, especially when they come alive with confetti sprinkles atop. After a long week of rushed meals and takeout, creating Struffoli becomes my delicious escape, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The best part? This deceptively simple recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for any occasion—or just a cozy night in. Imagine the joy on your loved ones' faces as you present a platter of golden-brown Struffoli, glistening under a luscious honey glaze. With a handful of ingredients that you probably have on hand, this recipe guarantees a tasty treat that will keep you away from fast food and brings the warmth of homemade goodness back to your kitchen. Are you ready to dive into this sweet culinary adventure? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Why You'll Love This Struffoli
- This Struffoli recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking just 35 minutes from prep to plate.
- The flavor combination of fried dough and warm honey creates a delightful sweetness that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Not only is it versatile enough to be enjoyed at any celebration, but it also adds a beautiful visual appeal with its glistening glaze and colorful confetti sprinkles.
- Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to gatherings and creates lasting memories with every bite.
Struffoli Ingredients
• Classic Italian treat made easy!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – A staple that creates the perfect base for these delightful bites.
- Large eggs – Eggs provide richness and help bind the dough together.
- Granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness that enhances the flavor profile of the Struffoli.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Baking powder – Ensures the dough puffs up beautifully during frying.
For the Glaze
- High-quality honey – The star of the show, giving Struffoli that iconic sweet and sticky finish.
For Decoration
- Confetti sprinkles – Brighten up your Struffoli with these fun, colorful decorations that bring joy to any plate.
How to Make Struffoli
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and melted butter. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and gently knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture, which will give your Struffoli a delightful bite.
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Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into marble-sized balls. This step is not only fun but essential for even cooking and that classic Struffoli look.
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Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the dough balls in batches until they turn golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each batch.
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Prepare the Honey Glaze: In a separate saucepan over low heat, warm the honey until it becomes runny. For an added twist, you can include some lemon or orange zest for a citrusy depth.
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Coat Struffoli: Toss the fried Struffoli in the warm honey glaze until they're evenly coated. Then, transfer them to a serving plate and generously sprinkle with confetti for that joyful touch.
Optional: Drizzle a little extra honey on top for an indulgent finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Struffoli are a wonderful treat to prep in advance, making your busy weeknights much easier! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply roll the dough into balls and refrigerate them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any drying out. Additionally, if you want to save even more time, the fried Struffoli can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before coating them in honey. When you’re ready to serve, just warm the honey glaze and toss the chilled Struffoli in it until fully coated—this way, you’ll enjoy the same deliciousness without the last-minute rush!
What to Serve with Struffoli?
As you indulge in the sweet, honey-drenched goodness of Struffoli, let's enhance the experience with delightful pairings that will elevate your meal.
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Espresso Coffee: A bold cup of espresso balances the sweetness perfectly, making it a classic Italian pairing, perfect for post-meal enjoyment.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, sticky Struffoli, offering an indulgent dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of tart berries provides a refreshing contrast, adding vibrant color and a burst of acidity to each bite.
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Ricotta Cheese: A dollop of light, creamy ricotta pairs harmoniously, creating a rich and smooth texture that complements the honey glaze.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: A light salad of mixed citrus fruits adds brightness. The fruity tang cuts through the sweetness, refreshing the palate.
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Chocolate Fondue: For a decadent twist, serve Struffoli alongside warm chocolate fondue for dipping. The combination is simply heavenly.
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Sweet Wine: A chilled glass of Moscato or Prosecco enhances the honey flavor, turning your meal into a festive celebration.
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Hazelnut Cookies: A side of crunchy hazelnut cookies creates a delightful textural contrast and adds nutty flavors, perfect for pairing with honey treats.
How to Store and Freeze Struffoli
Room Temperature: Store Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft while allowing the honey glaze to maintain its sticky goodness.
Fridge: If you need to keep Struffoli longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware that they may lose some of their original texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Struffoli in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Struffoli, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for about 10 minutes to revive their delightful softness.
Struffoli Variations
Get creative with your Struffoli by exploring these delightful twists!
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest into the dough for a cheerful citrus surprise that brightens each bite.
- Choco-Dipped: After coating with honey, dip the bottom half of your Struffoli in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Nuts Galore: Toss in chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the fried Struffoli for extra crunch and flavor depth.
- Nut-Free: Replace butter with a high-quality vegetable oil to keep it light while staying nut-free and delightful for everyone.
- Spicy Kick: Infuse honey with a touch of cayenne or chili flakes for a surprising sweet-heat combination that dazzles the palate.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and choose a vegan honey alternative to make this dish suitable for plant-based diets.
- Festive Flair: Swap confetti sprinkles with festive dried fruits or edible flowers for a stunning presentation perfect for celebrations.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For making the perfect Struffoli, ensure that your dough is soft but not sticky by adjusting the flour as needed during mixing.
- A common mistake is overcrowding the frying pan, so always fry in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- When kneading the dough, be gentle to avoid it becoming tough, which could result in a chewy texture instead of the desired light bite.
- Lastly, for the best honey glaze consistency, warm the honey just until runny, as overheating can cause it to become too thick to coat the Struffoli properly.
Struffoli Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients for Struffoli?
Absolutely! When choosing your eggs, opt for large, fresh eggs—check for a clean, uncracked shell for the best quality. As for flour, go for all-purpose flour, which is versatile and perfect for achieving the right texture. If you're using honey, select a high-quality, pure variety for the sweetest flavor.
How should I store leftover Struffoli, and how long will they last?
When it comes to storage, place your Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, although they might lose some of their original texture. Always make sure the container seals tightly to preserve the yummy honey glaze!
Can I freeze Struffoli? How do I do it?
Definitely! To freeze Struffoli, start by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until they are firm—about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat them gently in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my Struffoli dough is too sticky?
Very good question! If you find your Struffoli dough too sticky, it’s usually a simple fix—just sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading until the dough is soft but not tacky. Remember, the more flour can lead to a tougher texture, so be gentle and add just enough to get the right consistency.
Can my pets eat Struffoli? Are there any allergies to consider?
It's important to note that while Struffoli are a delightful treat for humans, they should be kept away from pets. The sugar and honey content can be harmful to dogs and cats. Additionally, if you're making Struffoli for someone with allergies, always check that there are no allergic reactions to any of the ingredients, particularly eggs and wheat, which are common allergens.
What if I accidentally over-fry my Struffoli dough balls?
Oh no! If you find that your Struffoli dough balls have become overcooked, don’t panic! Cooking them for too long can lead to a dry texture. If you catch them just in time, make sure to remove them and drain them on paper towels immediately. If they turn out a little tough, toss them in a little extra warm honey glaze to help revive some of that sweetness and moisture.
Struffoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and melted butter. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Lightly flour your countertop and gently knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into marble-sized balls.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the dough balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the honey until it becomes runny. Optionally add lemon or orange zest.
- Toss the fried Struffoli in the warm honey glaze until evenly coated, then transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with confetti.
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