Italian Struffoli (Honey Balls) (Edit recipe)

Italian Struffoli, also known as honey balls, are a simple Italian dessert for Christmas. Balls of sweet dough are fried until crispy and tossed in a honey sauce and decorated with festive sprinkles.

40 minutes

15 minutes

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Show nutritional information

This is our estimate based on online research.
Calories:	875
Fat:	72 g
Carbohydrates:	62 g
Protein:	5 g
Cholesterol:	12 g
Sodium:	134 mg
Fiber:	1 g
Sugars:	40 g
Calculated per serving.

by scarlatifamilykitchen

View original recipe

Serves: 10

Ingredients

Struffoli

2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp Orange Zest, approximately 1 large orange
3 Tbsp Granulated White Sugar
0.25 tsp Baking Powder
1 pinch Ground Cinnamon
1 pinch ground Nutmeg
0.5 tsp Sea Salt
4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, room temperature
3 whole Egg
1 Tbsp White Wine, dry (chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
3 cup Vegetable Oil

Honey Sauce

Shop

Process

Cook Mode

Note, these instructions are written assuming the standard serving size, since you have modified the number of servings, these steps may need to be modified for best results

Combine the flour, orange zest, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine.
Add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until a crumbly mixture forms.
Add the eggs and white wine and mix until a sticky dough is formed. Scrape down the sides and pulse a few more times to make sure everything is incorporated.
Scrape the mixture out of the food processor and onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap up the dough tightly and place in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes.
After the dough is done chilling, add the oil to a medium sized pot so there is about 2 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat on the stovetop to 350˚.
While the oil is heating, unwrap the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a long strip that is approximately one inch in diameter. If the dough starts to stick, sprinkle with a little bit of flour.
Cut each of the strips into pieces that are approximately ½ - 1 inch in length and then roll all of the pieces into small balls that are about the size of marbles.
Fry the dough ball in batches, rolling them around, for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towels.
Once all of the balls are fried, heat the honey, sugar and orange juice in a small pot over medium low heat. Do not let the mixture boil, but let the sugar completely dissolve.
Place the fried dough balls into a large bowl and pour the honey mixture over the top. Use a rubber spatula to toss the balls so they are all evenly coated in the honey mixture.
Place a glass in the middle of a cake stand or round serving platter. Spray both the glass and top of the stand with baking spray or grease with butter.
Pour the honey coated balls on the platter around the glass to form a wreath and then sprinkle with the rainbow colored sprinkles.
Let the honey balls cool completely for at least 2 hours before removing the glass for serving.

Notes

Substitutions and Variations

Flavor - Add lemon zest or anise for additional flavor.
Wine - Any dry white wine or cooking wine may be used. Orange juice or lemon juice may be also used instead.
Toppings - Red and green colored sprinkles, candied fruit, maraschino cherries or nuts would also be great toppings.
Occasion - Serve these during other holidays and special occasions decorated for the occasion.
Serving - Form struffoli balls into a cone shape like a Christmas tree or place in cupcake liners for individual servings.