Delicious Italian Struffoli with Honey Glaze
Indulge in the delightful taste of Italian Struffoli, a traditional holiday dessert that features bite-sized, honey-glazed dough balls. Each piece is fried to a perfect golden crisp and then tossed in a luscious honey and sugar mixture, offering a sweet and aromatic experience with every bite. These playful treats are commonly served during festive occasions, bringing joy and sweetness to the table. This recipe captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition and is wonderful for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy preparing and savoring these delicious morsels!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Sifted with flour)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (Sifted)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (Liquid)
Dark rum
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Large eggs
4 (Beaten)
Large egg yolks
2 (Beaten)
Canola oil
1/4 cup (For the dough)
Extra oil
For frying (Heated)
Honey
2/3 cup (Liquid)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Cinnamon stick
1 (Whole)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla extract, dark rum, eggs, egg yolks, and 1/4 cup of canola oil until well combined and smooth.
2
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar to ensure an even blend. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing continuously using an electric mixer or stand mixer until the dough is soft and pliable.
3
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax.
4
After resting, divide the dough into two equal halves. Roll each half into ropes approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut each rope into small pieces, about 3/4 inch long, then roll each piece into a small ball between your palms.
5
In a deep pot or heavy saucepan, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the dough balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6
In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a couple of minutes, then remove the cinnamon stick.
7
Toss the fried dough balls in the warm honey mixture until they are thoroughly coated. Once coated, transfer the struffoli to a serving dish, allowing them to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy this delightful treat as a centerpiece for your festive celebrations!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Struffoli?
Italian Struffoli is a traditional holiday dessert consisting of bite-sized, honey-glazed fried dough balls.
What does the honey glaze consist of?
The glaze is made from a mixture of honey, sugar, and a cinnamon stick for aroma.
How long should I rest the dough?
The dough should rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying the dough balls.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 large eggs and an additional 2 large egg yolks.
Can I use any type of flour?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of alcohol is used in Struffoli?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dark rum to add flavor to the dough.
How long do the dough balls need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
What is the serving temperature for Struffoli?
Struffoli should be allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.
Should the dough be soft or firm?
The dough should be mixed until it is soft and pliable.
What size should the dough balls be?
The dough is rolled into 1/2 inch diameter ropes and cut into 3/4 inch long pieces before being rolled into balls.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the wet ingredients.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 ingredients required to make these Italian Struffoli.
What type of oil is used for the dough and frying?
Canola oil is used both in the dough and for frying the balls.
Why is a cinnamon stick used in the glaze?
The cinnamon stick is simmered with the honey and sugar to provide a sweet, aromatic flavor.
When should the cinnamon stick be removed?
The cinnamon stick should be removed after the glaze mixture has simmered for a couple of minutes.
How do I prevent the Struffoli from being too oily?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Can I use an electric mixer for the dough?
Yes, an electric mixer or stand mixer can be used to combine the dry and wet ingredients.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is whisking together the vanilla, rum, eggs, yolks, and canola oil until smooth.
Is the sugar in the dough sifted?
Yes, the sugar for the dough is sifted along with the flour and baking powder.
What kind of texture does Struffoli have?
They have a golden crisp exterior and a soft, honey-coated texture on the outside.
How much honey is needed for the glaze?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of liquid honey.
Can these be served for Christmas?
Yes, Struffoli are a traditional Italian holiday treat often served during festive celebrations.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Should I fry all the dough at once?
No, you should fry the dough balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
How much sugar goes into the honey glaze?
You will need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for the honey glaze mixture.
What tools do I need for the dough ropes?
You can use your palms to roll the dough into ropes and then into small balls.
Is there salt in this recipe?
The provided recipe does not list salt as an ingredient.
How do I ensure the glaze is smooth?
Stir the honey and sugar frequently over medium-low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
What makes this a traditional recipe?
The use of honey glaze, fried dough, and festive presentation captures the essence of Italian culinary holiday tradition.