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struffoli napoletani honey balls recipe

Struffoli (Neapolitan Honey Balls)

Struffoli is a traditional Neapolitan Christmas dessert made of small fried dough balls, coated in honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles and candied fruits. This festive treat is a symbol of celebration and is perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian (Neapolitan)
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough:
  • 300-400 g 2⅔-3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 80 g 5¾ tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 40 g 2¾ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Zest of one orange or lemon, or both
  • 2-3 tablespoons liquor Grand Marnier or orange juice
  • Optional: ¾ teaspoon baking powder
For the honey coating:
  • 250-300 g wildflower or acacia honey pure, quality honey
For frying:
  • 2-3 inches vegetable or peanut oil
For decoration:
  • Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
  • Slivered almonds
  • Candied fruits like cherries or citron

Method
 

Prepare the dough:
  1. Bring eggs and butter to room temperature about an hour before starting.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and zest of orange (and/or lemon).
  3. Gradually add eggs one by one, mixing well between each addition.
  4. Optionally, add baking powder to lighten the dough.
  5. Once the mixture is crumbly, knead it on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Shape the dough:
  1. After resting, divide the dough into manageable portions.
  2. Roll each portion into a long, thin log (about ¼ inch in diameter).
  3. Cut the logs into small cubes (about ¼ inch or 1 cm).
  4. Roll each cube into a small ball for a more traditional look, or leave them as cubes for a rustic appearance.
Heat the oil:
  1. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a medium pot to 350°F (180°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Fry the dough pieces:
  1. Fry the dough balls in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
  2. Fry for 30-40 seconds until golden brown. Turn the balls occasionally for even cooking.
  3. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Coat with honey:
  1. In a large pan, warm the honey over low to medium heat until it becomes runny.
  2. Add the cooled fried dough balls to the honey and stir gently to coat them evenly.
  3. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the sweetness.
Shape and decorate:
  1. Arrange the honey-coated struffoli into a shape on a serving plate (classic pyramid or wreath).
  2. Decorate with rainbow sprinkles, slivered almonds, and candied fruits like cherries.
Set and serve:
  1. Let the struffoli sit for about 2 hours until the honey hardens.
  2. Serve as a festive centerpiece or gift for the holidays.

Notes

  • Struffoli can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the dough at 390°F for about 15 minutes instead of frying, but it won’t have the same texture.
  • You can add any colorful decorations or fruits you prefer, but traditionally, they include cherries, sprinkles, and candied fruits.