Honey-Drenched Sicilian Struffoli
Experience the delightful taste of Sicilian Christmas with these traditional Honey-Drenched Struffoli. These golden, bite-sized dough balls are beautifully deep-fried to achieve a crisp exterior while remaining soft and airy on the inside. Coated generously in warm honey and garnished with crunchy walnuts and optional chocolate sprinkles, each piece offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This recipe, cherished by my Sicilian grandmother, is a beloved family tradition—a labor of love that brings us together on Christmas Eve. Join us in creating these delectable treats, and make your holiday season even more special!
14-18
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (whole)
Crisco (or vegetable shortening)
1/4 cup (softened)
Sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Flour
2 - 3 1/2 cups (all-purpose, as needed)
Canola Oil
for deep frying (to heat)
Honey
1 cup (for topping, warmed)
Chopped Walnuts
3/4 cup (medium chopped)
Chocolate Sprinkles
1/3 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the Crisco and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and well blended.
2
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue mixing until thoroughly combined.
3
Gradually incorporate 2 cups of flour into the mixture, mixing until smooth. If the dough is still too sticky, add additional flour, half a cup at a time, until it forms a rollable consistency.
4
On a floured countertop, divide the dough into manageable portions. Roll each portion into long ropes that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
5
Using a sharp bread knife, cut the ropes into small pieces approximately 1/4 inch in size to form dumpling-like balls.
6
In a deep pot, heat canola oil over medium-high heat for frying. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully drop in the dough balls, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
7
Fry the dough balls until they become golden brown on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried struffoli and place them on a paper towel-lined bowl to absorb excess oil. Once all struffoli are fried, remove the paper towel.
8
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat until it flows easily—there's no need to boil it.
9
Pour the warm honey over the fried struffoli, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the walnuts and, if using, chocolate sprinkles over the top.
10
Transfer the honey-drenched struffoli to a serving dish with a lid to keep them fresh and covered while resting. Store them on the kitchen island or a location for easy access.
11
Allow the struffoli to set overnight for the best flavor. Before serving, give them a gentle stir to redistribute the honey, and add more honey if needed, as they will absorb it as they sit.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
33g
Carbs
3g
Protein
10g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Struffoli?
Sicilian Struffoli are traditional Christmas treats consisting of bite-sized dough balls that are deep-fried until golden and then drenched in warm honey.
What holiday is this recipe traditionally made for?
This recipe is a beloved family tradition for Christmas Eve in Sicilian households.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes between 14 to 18 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the dough?
The dough is made from eggs, Crisco or vegetable shortening, sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour.
What type of shortening should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened Crisco or a similar vegetable shortening.
How much flour is required?
You will need between 2 to 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, depending on the dough consistency.
What is the secret to the right dough consistency?
The dough should be rollable and not too sticky. If it sticks, add extra flour half a cup at a time until it is manageable.
How should the dough be shaped?
Roll the dough into long ropes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, then cut them into 1/4 inch small pieces.
What oil is best for frying Struffoli?
Canola oil is recommended for deep frying these dough balls.
What is the ideal frying temperature?
The oil should be heated to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the dough balls need to fry?
Frying typically takes about 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are golden brown on all sides.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a bowl lined with paper towels to absorb the extra oil.
How do I prepare the honey coating?
Gently warm 1 cup of honey in a saucepan over low heat until it flows easily, but do not let it boil.
What toppings are added to the honey-drenched balls?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of medium chopped walnuts and an optional 1/3 cup of chocolate sprinkles.
How long should the Struffoli sit before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the Struffoli to set overnight.
Do I need to stir the Struffoli before serving?
Yes, give them a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the honey that may have settled at the bottom.
Can I add more honey after they have rested?
Yes, if the dough balls have absorbed most of the honey while sitting, you can add more before serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in this dessert?
There are 10 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this specific version of the recipe was cherished by the author's Sicilian grandmother.
What type of vanilla extract is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How should I store the finished Struffoli?
Transfer them to a serving dish with a lid to keep them fresh and covered while they rest.
What tools are needed for cutting the dough?
A sharp bread knife is recommended for cutting the dough ropes into small pieces.
Should the eggs be prepared in a specific way?
The recipe requires 3 whole eggs added to the creamed sugar and shortening mixture.
Is the walnut topping mandatory?
The walnuts add a signature crunch, but they are listed as a garnish alongside the optional sprinkles.
Why shouldn't I overcrowd the pot while frying?
Overcrowding the pot can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy rather than crisp dough balls.
What gives Struffoli their soft interior?
The combination of eggs and shortening in the dough ensures they stay soft and airy inside while the frying creates a crisp exterior.