STRUFFOLI: My Nonna’s Christmas Recipe

Struffoli is a delightful Italian treat, consisting of small fried dough balls coated in honey, beautifully adorned with colorful sprinkles and candied fruit.

A festive favorite, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why Nonna Suggests This Recipe

Nonna loves Struffoli because it embodies the spirit of Italian tradition and family gatherings during the festive season.

These golden, honey-drenched morsels have been a staple of Christmas celebrations for generations. Here’s why Nonna treasures this recipe:

• Celebrates Family: Preparing Struffoli is a family activity, with everyone pitching in to roll, fry, and decorate.
• Symbol of Abundance: The small dough balls symbolize wealth and prosperity, making it perfect for the holidays.
• Deliciously Simple: With basic ingredients, this dessert delivers a nostalgic and authentic taste of Italy.
• Long-Lasting: Struffoli stays fresh for days, making it a practical and festive centerpiece.
• Flexible Flavors: Nonna loves how you can tweak the recipe with orange zest, cinnamon, or even almonds for a unique twist.

For Nonna, Struffoli is more than a dessert—it’s a way to bring everyone together and honor cherished traditions. ❤️

 

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8–10

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 400g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp anise liqueur (or rum)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Honey Coating:

• 250g (3/4 cup) honey
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1/2 an orange

For Decoration:

• Colored sugar sprinkles
• Candied fruit (e.g., cherries, orange peel)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest.
2. Make a well in the center and add eggs, softened butter, olive oil, and anise liqueur.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

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2. Shape the Struffoli:

1. Divide the rested dough into small portions.
2. Roll each portion into long ropes about 1 cm (1/2 inch) in diameter.
3. Cut the ropes into small pieces, approximately the size of a chickpea.
4. Lightly dust the pieces with flour to prevent sticking.

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3. Fry the Dough:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 170-180°C (340-350°F).
2. Fry the dough pieces in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

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4. Coat with Honey:

1. In a large saucepan, combine honey, sugar, and orange juice. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the fried struffoli to the honey mixture, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly.

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5. Assemble and Decorate:

1. Transfer the honey-coated struffoli to a serving plate, shaping them into a mound or a festive wreath.
2. Sprinkle with colored sugar sprinkles and decorate with candied fruit.
3. Let the struffoli set for about 1 hour before serving.

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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	47g
Protein	6g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sugar	25g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	120mg

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Tips and Tricks by Nonna

1. Toast for Extra Crunch: Lightly toast the fried dough balls in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes before coating them in honey.
2. Keep the Oil Clean: Strain the oil between batches to avoid burnt crumbs affecting the flavor.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
4. Add Spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the honey for a festive touch.
5. Make It Ahead: Prepare the fried dough balls a day in advance, then coat them in honey on the day you serve.

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Nonna hopes you enjoy making and sharing Struffoli with your loved ones. Buon Natale! 🎄✨

 

STRUFFOLI: Christmas Recipe by Nonna

Struffoli is a delightful Italian treat, consisting of small fried dough balls coated in honey, beautifully adorned with colorful sprinkles and candied fruit.

A festive favorite, it's as fun to make as it is to eat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Christmas Italian Recipes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10

Notes

For the Dough:

• 400g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp anise liqueur (or rum)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Honey Coating:

• 250g (3/4 cup) honey
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1/2 an orange

For Decoration:

• Colored sugar sprinkles
• Candied fruit (e.g., cherries, orange peel)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest.
2. Make a well in the center and add eggs, softened butter, olive oil, and anise liqueur.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

---

2. Shape the Struffoli:

1. Divide the rested dough into small portions.
2. Roll each portion into long ropes about 1 cm (1/2 inch) in diameter.
3. Cut the ropes into small pieces, approximately the size of a chickpea.
4. Lightly dust the pieces with flour to prevent sticking.

---

3. Fry the Dough:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 170-180°C (340-350°F).
2. Fry the dough pieces in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

---

4. Coat with Honey:

1. In a large saucepan, combine honey, sugar, and orange juice. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the fried struffoli to the honey mixture, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly.

---

5. Assemble and Decorate:

1. Transfer the honey-coated struffoli to a serving plate, shaping them into a mound or a festive wreath.
2. Sprinkle with colored sugar sprinkles and decorate with candied fruit.
3. Let the struffoli set for about 1 hour before serving.

Keyword struffoli, struffoli recipe, neapolitan struffoli