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Sweet Struffoli

When it comes to festive Italian desserts, few can rival the charm of Sweet Struffoli. These golden, bite-sized balls of fried dough, lightly coated in honey and adorned with colourful hundreds and thousands, are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate. A Neapolitan classic, Struffoli is synonymous with Christmas in Italy, bringing families together around tables brimming with sweet treats.
The beauty of Struffoli lies not only in its simplicity but also in the way it embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Each tiny ball is fried to perfection, achieving a light, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender core. The addition of honey creates a glossy, sticky coating that ensures every bite is irresistibly sweet. And then, of course, come the sprinkles—hundreds and thousands of vibrant colours that make this dessert as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds.
Traditionally, Struffoli is served as a mound or arranged in a ring shape, almost like an edible Christmas wreath. It’s a centrepiece that invites conversation, laughter, and indulgence. But while the classic presentation with hundreds and thousands is iconic, the versatility of Struffoli means you can get creative with your toppings.
For a touch of sophistication, you might swap the sprinkles for slivered almonds or crushed pistachios. These nuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of earthy flavour that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you’re a fan of dried fruits, consider sprinkling finely chopped candied orange peel or dried cranberries for a tangy twist. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also elevate the look and taste, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet elegant.
Another idea is to embrace the floral notes of honey by adding edible flowers or lavender petals to your Struffoli. These delicate additions can turn a traditional treat into a modern masterpiece, perfect for impressing guests at festive gatherings.
Ultimately, Struffoli is a dessert that invites creativity and celebration. Whether you stick to the classic hundreds and thousands or experiment with new toppings, the spirit of Struffoli remains the same: a joyful, shared experience that’s as sweet as the holiday season itself. So gather your loved ones, prepare a plate of these delightful treats, and let the festive magic of Struffoli brighten your celebrations.
Sweet Struffoli Recipe - TheRecipe.Website

Sweet Struffoli

Sweet Struffoli is a delightful Italian dessert composed of golden, bite-sized dough balls coated in honey and topped with colourful sprinkles. Traditionally served during Christmas, this festive treat boasts a satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft, airy interior. It’s a simple yet stunning centrepiece perfect for celebrations and sharing with loved ones.
4.85 from 33 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Eggs, Honey, Lemon, Orange, Swet Struffoli
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 434kcal

Ingredients
 

For the dough:**

For the coating:

For decoration:

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt.
    250 g all-purpose flour, 50 g granulated sugar, 1 pinch salt
  • Add the softened butter, eggs, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Wrap it in cling film and let it rest for 20 minutes.
    3 large eggs, 50 g unsalted butter, 1 large lemon, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into thin logs about 1cm thick, then cut them into small pieces (about the size of a hazelnut). Roll each piece lightly into a ball.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Fry the dough balls in small batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
    Vegetable oil
  • In a large saucepan, combine honey, sugar and orange zest. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat.
    200 g honey, 50 g granulated sugar, 1 large orange
  • Add the fried dough balls to the saucepan with the honey mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Pile the coated Struffoli onto a serving platter, shaping them into a mound or wreath. Garnish with colourful sprinkles and candied cherries if desired.
    Colourful sprinkles, Candied cherries

Notes

Enjoy your Sweet Struffoli with a cup of espresso or dessert wine for a truly festive treat!

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

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13 comments

Nicole December 28, 2024 at 4:41 pm

5 stars
It’s a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dessert.

Denise J December 28, 2024 at 4:11 pm

5 stars
A friend made these recently and they were lovely. Thought I would try and they were delicious. Added chocolate sprinkles which the children loved.

William T December 28, 2024 at 2:23 pm

5 stars
The dough balls came out crispy and golden, and the honey coating tied everything together perfectly.

Lucille December 28, 2024 at 10:16 am

5 stars
I loved every single bite.

Jared December 28, 2024 at 12:43 am

4 stars
Making Sweet Struffoli was a bit of a challenge, but it was so worth it.

Gemma December 27, 2024 at 7:27 pm

5 stars
It’s the perfect dessert for sharing during the holidays.

Amara S December 27, 2024 at 4:41 pm

4 stars
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the dessert for you. The combination of fried dough and honey is heavenly, and the sprinkles add a playful touch.

Abigayle December 27, 2024 at 3:52 pm

5 stars
What I love most about Sweet Struffoli is its versatility. I added pistachios and candied orange peel instead of sprinkles, and it was a huge hit.

Giovanni December 27, 2024 at 1:26 pm

5 stars
The crunchy little dough balls drenched in honey and topped with hundreds and thousands are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to eat.

Alberto December 26, 2024 at 7:54 pm

5 stars
This dish reminded me of my childhood holidays with my grandparents in Naples. Thank you.

Chance December 26, 2024 at 1:23 pm

5 stars
The sweet honey glaze and the cheerful sprinkles make Struffoli a joy to look at and eat.

Nigel December 26, 2024 at 1:56 am

5 stars
This dessert lets you get creative while still staying true to its Italian roots.

Ana December 25, 2024 at 1:50 am

5 stars
Everyone couldn’t stop reaching for more

4.85 from 33 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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