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Struffoli Italian Honey Balls

Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) – Festive Sweet for Your Italian Christmas Table

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Tiny balls of fried dough tossed in a sticky honey glaze and decorated with festive sprinkles—an impressive Italian Christmas dessert the whole family can help make!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

3 cups (420g) Italian 00 or all-purpose flour

1/3 cup (65g) sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Zest of one orange

2 tablespoons dark rum

4 tablespoons (55g) melted butter

Pinch of salt

Vegetable oil for frying

For coating:

1 cup (300g) honey

Sprinkles

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Make a well and add melted butter, eggs, and rum. Mix until dough forms, then knead into a smooth ball. Wrap and rest 30 minutes.

2. Cut the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into a 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick log. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and roll into small balls. Place in a single layer on a lightly floured surface.

3. Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry balls in batches for 30–40 seconds until golden. Drain on paper towels.

4. Gently warm the honey until liquid. Add cooled struffoli and stir to coat. Let soak 2–3 minutes.

5. Arrange coated balls in a mound or ring shape on a serving plate. Decorate with sprinkles and serve.

Notes

Do not flour the surface when rolling the dough—its butter content prevents sticking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

  • Author: barbara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 364