Italian Struffoli (Honey Balls)
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.
Ingredients
Struffoli
- 2 cups2 cups2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp1 Tbsp1 Tbsp Orange Zest, approximately 1 large orange
- 3 Tbsp3 Tbsp3 Tbsp Granulated White Sugar
- 0.25 tsp0.25 tsp0.25 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 pinch1 pinch1 pinch Ground Cinnamon
- 1 pinch1 pinch1 pinch ground Nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp0.5 tsp0.5 tsp Sea Salt
- 4 Tbsp4 Tbsp4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 3 whole3 whole3 whole Egg
- 1 Tbsp1 Tbsp1 Tbsp White Wine, dry (chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
- 3 cup3 cup3 cup Vegetable Oil
Honey Sauce
- 1 cup1 cup1 cup Honey
- 0.5 cup0.5 cup0.5 cup Granulated White Sugar
- 1 Tbsp1 Tbsp1 Tbsp Orange Juice
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Process
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.
Add a Note
My Notes:
About This Recipe
Show nutritional information
Baked Goods Coconut Free Desserts Nightshade Free Nut Free Other Pescetarian Shellfish Free Sugar Alcohol Free VegetarianThis is our estimate based on online research. | |
Calories: | 876 |
Fat: | 72 g |
Carbohydrates: | 62 g |
Protein: | 5 g |
Cholesterol: | 12 g |
Sodium: | 133 mg |
Fiber: | 1 g |
Sugars: | 39 g |
Sugar Alcohol: | 0 g |
Calculated per serving. |
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