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Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 27 reviews

Struffoli are traditional Italian honey balls that are crisp on the outside and soft inside, coated in warm honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles. This festive dessert is perfect for celebrations and holidays, featuring a delicate dough flavored with orange zest and dark rum, fried to golden perfection and then soaked in honey for a sweet, sticky treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups Italian 00 or all-purpose flour (420g), spooned and leveled
  • ⅓ cup sugar (65g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Zest of one orange
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter (55g)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (2-3 inches deep)

Coating and Decoration

  • 1 cup honey (300g)
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: Combine all dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and add melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and dark rum. Mix together until it starts to come together then knead into a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare dough pieces: After resting, cut the dough in half, then each half into three equal portions. Roll each piece into a long sausage shape about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick. Cut into small 1cm pieces, similar to gnocchi but smaller. Roll each piece into a ball using the palms of your hands, placing them on a lightly floured surface in a single layer to avoid sticking.
  3. Fry the dough balls: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is at least 2-3 inches deep. Fry the dough balls in batches, turning if needed, until they are golden brown, about 30-40 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
  4. Coat with honey: In a large pot, gently heat the honey until it becomes very liquidy, which only takes a few seconds. Add the cooled struffoli and stir gently to thoroughly coat the balls in honey. Let them soak in the honey for 2-3 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
  5. Assemble and decorate: Arrange the struffoli in your desired shape on a serving plate. To form a ring, place a ramekin or large glass in the middle of the plate and arrange the balls around it, removing the center object after a few minutes. Alternatively, pile them into a mound. Decorate generously with colorful sprinkles before serving.

Notes

  • Using Italian 00 flour provides a lighter texture but all-purpose flour works well too.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 375°F (190°C) for proper frying and crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the oil when frying; this will lower the temperature and make the dough greasy.
  • Struffoli can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust the honey quantity to coat evenly but avoid excess dripping.
  • Sprinkles add a festive touch and can be omitted or replaced with chopped nuts if preferred.

Keywords: Struffoli, Italian dessert, honey balls, fried dough dessert, holiday treats, Italian sweets, traditional Italian recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/struffoli-italian-honey-balls-recipe/