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–+ servings
clear cake stand with honey balls on it with sprinkles.

Easy Struffoli Recipe (Italian Honey Balls)

Amanda
This easy struffoli recipe, also known as honey balls, are a simple Italian dessert. Balls of sweet dough are fried until crispy and tossed in a honey sauce and decorated with sprinkles.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling/Drying Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10 servings
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
  

Struffoli

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest approximately 1 large orange
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ stick unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon dry white wine
  • 3 cups vegetable oil

Honey Sauce

Instructions
 

  • 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

  • Roll and cut the dough into similar sized pieces so they fry evenly. 
  • Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
  • Gently roll the balls around while they are frying so they brown evenly.
  • Use the honey mixture immediately or it will start to set and become too sticky.
  • Let the struffoli completely dry so it stays in the shape after removing the glass.
 

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.
 

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The struffoli dough came be made and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The struffoli dough balls can be fried up to 3 days ahead of time. Let them cool completely before storing them at room temperature in an airtight container.
The day or day before serving, make the honey sauce and then toss it with the balls and shape onto the desired serving platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 228IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 2mg
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