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Struffoli (Honey Balls) | Italian Christmas Recipes

Italian Christmas Struffoli

Struffoli is a classic Italian Christmas dessert made of bite-sized fried dough balls coated in honey and decorated with festive sprinkles. These delightful treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a sweet and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. Simple to make and share, Struffoli brings a touch of Italian tradition to your Christmas table.

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Rest Time: 10 mins Total Time: 55 mins
Cooking Temp 160  C
Estimated Cost $  10
Calories 300
Best Season Winter
Description

Golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, Struffoli are tiny Italian honey balls that are sweet, sticky, and festive. After frying the dough balls until golden, they are coated in warm honey and arranged in a wreath shape or mounded on a plate, then topped with colorful sprinkles. This delightful treat is a crowd-pleaser and makes a beautiful, edible centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Each bite is a burst of sweetness and crunch that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday season.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 of Zest lemon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup honey
  • Colorful sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
  2. Add eggs and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.
  3. Divide dough into small sections, rolling each into thin ropes about 1 cm thick, then cut into small pieces.
  4. In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry dough balls in batches until golden, then drain on paper towels.
  5. Warm honey in a large saucepan over low heat, then add fried dough balls and stir to coat.
  6. Arrange Struffoli on a plate, shaping them into a mound or wreath, and top with sprinkles.
  7. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
  8. Add eggs and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.
  9. Divide dough into small sections, rolling each into thin ropes about 1 cm thick, then cut into small pieces.
  10. In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry dough balls in batches until golden, then drain on paper towels.
  11. Warm honey in a large saucepan over low heat, then add fried dough balls and stir to coat.
  12. Arrange Struffoli on a plate, shaping them into a mound or wreath, and top with sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 60mg3%
Potassium 40mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 25g
Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 200 IU
Vitamin C 20 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Customization: Add orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

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