Name: Italian Struffoli
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup honey; Colorful sprinkles (optional)

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Indulging in the sweet, golden goodness of Italian Struffoli is like taking a mini-vacation to Italy without leaving your kitchen. These delightful little morsels, deep-fried and coated in honey, are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine crispy little balls of dough that are soft on the inside, glistening with honey and adorned with colorful sprinkles, bringing joy and sweetness to any gathering.

Growing up, my family would whip up these heavenly bites during the holidays, filling our home with laughter and the irresistible aroma of frying dough. The anticipation of biting into a fluffy struffolo was almost as thrilling as unwrapping presents! Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just craving something sweet, Italian Struffoli is the perfect dessert to create cherished memories around the table.

Why You'll Love This Italian Struffoli

This incredible Italian Struffoli transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Italian Struffoli:

All-Purpose Flour: Use about 3 cups of all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture that holds together perfectly.
Eggs: Three large eggs will bind everything together and provide richness to your struffoli.
Sugar: A quarter cup of granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter (about 4 tablespoons) contributes flavor and moisture.
Baking Powder: One teaspoon helps give the struffoli a light texture as they fry.
Honey: For drizzling over fried struffoli, choose a good quality honey to enhance those sweet flavors.
Colorful Sprinkles: These are optional but definitely add a festive touch to your finished dish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Italian Struffoli:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and add in the eggs and melted butter. Mix until it forms a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead It Out

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about five minutes until smooth. Don’t go overboard; we want tender struffoli, not workout struffoli!

Step 3: Shape Your Struffoli

Divide your dough into small pieces (about an inch in size). Roll each piece into tiny ropes about half an inch thick. Cut them into small pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 4: Fry Away

Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in small batches of dough pieces and fry them until they turn golden brown—this usually takes about two to three minutes.

Step 5: Sweeten It Up

Once fried, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. While they’re still warm, drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle those festive sprinkles on top!

Step 6: Serve With Joy

Transfer your beautiful Italian Struffoli onto a serving platter. Gather friends or family around for immediate enjoyment; trust me—they won’t last long!

Now that you know how to create these scrumptious Italian Struffoli at home, get ready for smiles all around as everyone digs into this delightful treat! Enjoy every bite!

You Must Know About Italian Struffoli

This showstopping Italian Struffoli delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough for your Italian Struffoli, then let it rest while heating oil to fry the little dough balls. Fry them until golden brown, and while they cool, prepare the honey glaze. This sequence ensures everything flows smoothly.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Italian Struffoli! Swap out the honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or sprinkle in some colorful nonpareils or chopped nuts for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Italian Struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven briefly; avoid microwaving to keep that delightful crunch intact.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Italian Struffoli

This professional-quality Italian Struffoli relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

When I made my first batch of Italian Struffoli, my family devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to snap a picture! Their laughter filled the kitchen as they fought over the last piece, turning an ordinary evening into a cherished memory.

FAQs

What is Italian Struffoli?

Italian Struffoli are delightful, bite-sized pastries originating from Italy, often associated with festive occasions. These sweet treats consist of small dough balls that are fried until golden and then coated in honey, creating a sticky and sweet exterior. Traditionally served during Christmas and New Year celebrations, they are often garnished with colorful sprinkles or candied fruits. The texture is light and crispy on the outside while being soft inside, making them an irresistible dessert option for any gathering.

How to make Italian Struffoli?

To make Italian Struffoli, start by preparing a simple dough using flour, eggs, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest for flavor. Roll the dough into thin strands and cut them into small pieces. Fry these pieces until golden brown. After frying, toss them in warm honey mixed with orange zest for added flavor. Finally, arrange your struffoli on a serving plate and decorate them with colorful sprinkles or nuts for a festive touch.

What ingredients do I need for Italian Struffoli?

The main ingredients for Italian Struffoli include all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. Additionally, you’ll need honey to coat the fried dough balls and enhance their sweetness. For added flavor, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough or honey mixture. Optional garnishes can include colorful sprinkles, candied fruits, or chopped nuts to create an appealing presentation.

Can I prepare Italian Struffoli in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Italian Struffoli in advance! It’s best to fry the dough balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, simply warm up the honey mixture again and toss the pre-fried struffoli in it for that fresh taste. Keep in mind that they are best enjoyed within a few days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Struffoli are a festive treat that brings joy to any celebration. Their sweet flavors combined with a light and crispy texture make them hard to resist. With simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and honey, you can easily recreate this traditional dessert at home. Whether you enjoy them during Christmas or as an everyday treat, Italian Struffoli will surely delight your taste buds and impress your guests with their charming presentation.