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Easy Struffoli Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, soft inside, these Italian struffoli are tiny fried dough balls coated in warm honey and topped with colorful sprinkles. A festive and traditional dessert perfect for holidays or celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Dough Balls:

400g (3.2 cups) all-purpose flour

Zest of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 orange

40g (3.33 tbsp) granulated sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

80g (5.7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3 medium eggs

2 tbsp orange or lemon juice

600ml (2.54 cups) vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For Coating and Decorating:

300g (0.88 cups) honey

2 tbsp confectioner’s sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3–4 tbsp sprinkles

1–2 tbsp sugar pearls (optional)

50g (3.38 tbsp) candied fruit (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, lemon zest, orange zest, salt, and baking powder. Add sugar, melted butter, and citrus juice, stirring until combined. Make a well, add eggs, and knead until smooth. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
  2. Shape the Dough Balls: Divide dough into small portions, roll into 1cm thick ropes, and cut into 1cm pieces. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  3. Fry the Struffoli: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry in batches for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Coat with Honey: In a saucepan, warm honey, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla over low heat until smooth. Add fried dough balls and toss gently to coat.
  5. Decorate and Serve: Mix in most of the sprinkles and candied fruit. Transfer to a platter, shaping into a mound or wreath. Drizzle remaining honey and top with more decorations. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use mild honey such as acacia or clover for the best flavor.

Add cinnamon or anise seeds to the dough for a spiced version.

For a baked alternative, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Add crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.

Shape into a wreath by forming a ring and leaving a hole in the center.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/easy-struffoli-recipe/