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+ servings
Shiny round dessert pieces stacked together, finished with pastel sprinkles.

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Golden Struffoli Italian Honey Balls made from citrus-infused dough, fried to crisp perfection, and coated in warm honey with festive sprinkles.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Struffoli:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, limoncello, or rum
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Coating:

  • 1 cup honey
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Colored sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

Prepare the dough.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and liquor until smooth. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead and rest.

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Shape the struffoli.

  1. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, keeping them covered to prevent drying. Roll each portion into a rope approximately 18 inches long. Cut into ½-inch pieces and, if desired, roll each piece into a small ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Fry the struffoli.

  1. Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Working in small batches, carefully lower the dough pieces into the oil. Fry until golden brown and puffed, gently stirring to prevent sticking. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared tray to drain excess oil. Continue until all dough has been fried.

Prepare the honey coating.

  1. In a large skillet, combine the honey and granulated sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then stir in the orange zest.

Coat and arrange.

  1. Add the fried struffoli to the honey mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes over low heat. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool briefly. Arrange the coated struffoli into a wreath shape on a platter, or pile into a mound. Garnish generously with colored sprinkles. Allow to set before serving.

Notes

To prepare gluten-free Struffoli Italian Honey Balls, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain structure. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but the honey glaze will still provide the classic glossy finish and flavor.
Bitty