Authentic Italian Struffoli Recipe (Christmas Honey Balls)
Authentic Italian Struffoli are small, golden balls of fried dough tossed in warm honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles. This traditional Italian Christmas dessert is festive, delicious, and a favorite for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest for one lemon and one orange
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 2 cups honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- sprinkles
- sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a bowl blend the flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon and orange zest and blend well.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, add the eggs, butter and wine gather the flour mixture towards the center forming a ball . Then, on a lightly floured broad knead the dough until smooth. Wrap and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at lest 30 minutes.
- Then flatten the dough and cut into strips roll into a rope then cut into small even dice roll into balls.
- Bring the oil to medium high heat fry the dough balls in batches until golden brown about 4-5 minutes. remove and drain on paper towels.
- To a large saute pan add the honey and sugar, Cook on low until the sugar melts.
- Then add the fried dough to the honey mixture. Stir to coat all the dough balls.
- Place a small glass in the center of a large dish. Add the honey balls in a circular pattern forming a wreath. Top with sprinkles and the sliced almonds. I tied some cooking twine into a bow, used cranberries and rosemary sprigs to add a festive touch.
Notes
Keep the dough balls small and fry them in batches so they cook evenly and become light and golden. Toss them in the warm honey while they’re still slightly warm so the honey coats every piece.
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