Struffoli
This Italian inspired struffoli recipe not only tastes incredible, it also a beautiful showstopper of a dessert that your friends and family will love.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp salted butter (softened)
- 3 medium size eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups canola oil
Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, lemon zest, salt and baking powder.
- Cut butter into small chunks and add to the flour mixture. Mix until texture is mealy. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mix. Remove the dough from mixing bowl and transfer onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly dust hands and work surface with the flour so the dough doesn’t stick to you as you are working with it. Shape into a ball, then cover the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- After one hour, roll out dough, then cut it into strips about as wide as your index finger. Roll the strips into ropes about ¼ inchthick. Then cut into ¼ inch pieces, approximately the size of marbles. Make sure all pieces are separated on the cutting board, so they don’t stick together while cooking.
- Heat oil to 375 degrees F - hot enough so the balls of dough cook quickly and don’t absorb too much oil. Use of a thermometer is highly recommended.
- Fry dough balls in non-crowded batches, just until golden, which should only it take a couple of minutes. Turn with a slotted spoon or wire strainer to make sure they turn golden all over. As each batch is cooked, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a large pot, bring honey, sugar, and lemon juice until melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the struffoli to the pot and stir gently until all of the balls are evenly coated.
- Arrange the struffoli into a wreath shape, or mound like a Christmas tree, on a serving plate. Lightly cover with sprinkles and serve!
Notes
Always use caution when frying foods. Review the USDA's recommended safety guidelines for frying.
You don’t need to roll the dough pieces into balls after cutting them, the little pieces round out while cooking
To make in the shape of a wreath, place a glass in the middle of the serving plate. Then, place the glazed balls around it. Remove the glass when ready to serve. I find that spraying the glass lightly with non-stick cooking spray helps it pop right out.
Nutrition
Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 157mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 2mg
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.