Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)
Have you ever walked into an Italian home during the holidays and been greeted by that incredible smell of fried dough mixed with warm honey? If you have, there’s a good chance Struffoli were on the table. These little gems, often called Italian Honey Balls, are a beloved Christmas treat, packed with history and wrapped in a beautiful cultural story.
So, what are Struffoli, anyway? Well, they’re these adorable little balls of fried dough, usually flavored with some zesty orange or lemon. Once they’re fried to that golden perfection, they take a nice dip in warm honey. And sometimes, they get all dressed up with colorful sprinkles, bits of candied fruit, or even crunchy nuts. You’ll often see them arranged into a festive wreath or a pretty mound, making them a real centerpiece at any holiday gathering. They’ve got that perfect combo of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—seriously, the crunch paired with that sweetness? Absolutely divine!
Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: these delicious bites can actually trace their roots back to Ancient Greece! The name “Struffoli” might come from the Greek word “strongylos,” which means “round.” Isn’t it fascinating to think that Greek settlers brought over similar honey-drizzled fried dough recipes when they arrived in Southern Italy, especially around Naples? And that’s pretty much where Struffoli found their true home.
Struffoli & Christmas: More Than Just a Dessert
In Italy, Struffoli are far more than just a sweet treat for the holidays, they’re a cherished tradition. These little golden dough balls aren’t just whipped up for fun; they’re made with love, especially during Christmas. Each one holds a special meaning, representing family, togetherness, and the pure joy of being with the people you love.
And let’s talk about that honey drizzle! It’s not just for looks—it’s a symbol of life’s sweetness, love, and a sprinkle of good luck. For many Italian families, whipping up Struffoli isn’t just about following a recipe. It’s about gathering in the kitchen, sharing laughter, swapping stories, and creating those warm, fuzzy holiday memories that stick with you for years.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and lemon zest using the paddle attachment. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, add the beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, sugar, and grappa or rum to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, forming a smooth and consistent batter.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal sections and roll each section into ropes, about 1/2 inch in thickness. Afterward, cut the ropes into ½-inch squares and gently roll each square into small balls. If the dough is too sticky during this process, you can sprinkle some additional flour on your hands to make it more manageable. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a large, heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Pour enough oil into the pot to reach a height of approximately 3 inches. To ensure accurate temperature, use an oil thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) before frying the Italian Honey Balls.
- Carefully fry about 15 pieces of the dough at a time in the hot oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried dough pieces from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drain off, and place them on a sheet pan. Continue this frying process in batches until all the dough has been fried and drained.
- Once all the dough pieces are fried and drained, transfer them to a clean bowl, ready to be soaked in the honey and adorned with festive sprinkles to create the delightful Struffoli.
- In a separate large frying pan, gently heat the honey and orange zest over low heat until it simmers softly. Take ¼ of the fried struffoli at a time and add them to the warmed honey. Stir the fried balls gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the honey mixture. Repeat this process for the next batches of fried struffoli until all of them are coated.Arrange the honey-coated balls on a serving platter and pour any remaining honey mixture over the struffoli. To add a festive touch, top the struffoli with sprinkles of your choice. Now, your delectable Struffoli Italian Honey Balls are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Notes
Serving Struffoli
Struffoli aren’t just a treat for the taste buds—they’re a feast for the eyes, too. These golden, honey-glazed Italian honey balls are traditionally served during Christmas and Easter, and how you present them is part of the joy and tradition.
Holidays
To capture that classic Italian holiday charm, arrange your warm, sticky Struffoli into a wreath shape or a towering mound on a serving platter. While the honey is still soft, use a spoon or damp hands to gently form them into a ring, perfect for a holiday centerpiece. Right away, sprinkle on rainbow sprinkles, candied citrus, glacé cherries, or chopped nuts. The honey acts like edible glue, helping everything stick beautifully before it sets.
Perfect Individual Servings
Hosting a party or looking for a cute way to share? Spoon small portions of Struffoli into mini cupcake liners or paper cups for easy, no-mess serving. It’s a thoughtful (and delicious!) way to give guests their own portion without crowding around a communal plate.
Storage (Italian Honey Balls)
Proper storage is key to keeping your Struffoli fresh, crisp, and delicious, especially if you’re making them ahead for the holidays. Make Struffoli a day ahead to let the honey set perfectly. Add decorations just after coating for best appearance and texture.
Room Temperature (Best Option) Store up to 3–4 days. Store Struffoli at room temperature, loosely covered with wax paper, parchment, or foil. This keeps them from drying out while still allowing airflow to prevent sogginess.
Avoid plastic wrap or airtight containers, which can trap moisture and make the honey coating sticky or soft.
Refrigerate
Not recommended. Refrigeration will cause the honey to harden and lose its glossy texture. It can also make the dough balls rubbery or stale faster.
Freezing (Uncoated Only) If you want to make them in advance:
You can freeze the fried dough balls before adding the honey. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve, thaw at room temp and warm briefly in the oven (optional), then toss in warm honey and decorate.
