Struffoli, also known as honey balls or Italian doughnuts, are a beloved holiday treat in many Italian households. These sweet little morsels are typically shaped into rings and coated with a sticky honey syrup, but variations abound! From classic flavors like lemon and vanilla to more unique twists featuring pistachios, rum, and even espresso, there’s a struffoli recipe out there for every palate. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Italy, exploring 18 delicious struffoli recipes that are sure to become new family traditions.
Classic Honey-Coated Struffoli
Classic Honey-Coated Struffoli Recipe
These sweet Sicilian treats are a staple at Christmas gatherings and special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of crispy, honey-coated struffoli that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, lard or shortening, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat in the egg until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into strips about 1/2 inch wide and shape into small rings (struffoli).
6. Place struffoli on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While still warm, drizzle with honey and let cool completely.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Glazed Struffoli Balls
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these bite-sized treats, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Brush the mixture evenly onto each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Roll up each square into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While still warm, dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate Drizzled Struffoli
Experience the Italian tradition of Struffoli, crispy fried dough balls drizzled with rich chocolate and sprinkles. This sweet treat is perfect for special occasions or as a indulgent snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Water, as needed
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Melted chocolate (semi-sweet or milk)
– Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, lard, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add water as needed to form a smooth dough.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into small squares, then fry in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate.
8. Sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes, including frying time.
Orange and Almond Struffoli
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat that combines the brightness of orange zest with the crunch of almonds. These bite-sized struffoli are perfect for a breakfast on-the-go or as a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, egg, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each struffolo.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Vanilla and Cinnamon Struffoli
Experience the sweetness of Italy with this traditional recipe for Vanilla and Cinnamon Struffoli, crispy fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Honey, for coating
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into small squares or strips.
8. Fry Struffoli until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
9. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss fried Struffoli with the mixture.
11. Drizzle with honey while still warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pistachio Crusted Struffoli
These sweet Sicilian treats are a classic Christmas tradition, and with this pistachio crusted twist, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these struffoli are a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup pistachio meal
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cup each.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon.
7. Roll the warm struffoli in pistachio meal to coat.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rum-Infused Struffoli
These bite-sized Struffoli are typically served at Christmas celebrations, but with a splash of rum, they’ll be perfect for any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons rum extract (or 1-2 tablespoons dark rum)
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rest in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into strips and fry in batches until golden, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels, then dust with confectioners’ sugar.
8. If desired, drizzle with rum extract (or dark rum) while still warm.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes for frying and cooling the Struffoli.
Caramel Glazed Struffoli
Sweet Struffoli Cakes with a Sticky Caramel Glaze
These Italian sweet treats are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Struffoli mix (or homemade dough)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare Struffoli dough according to package instructions.
2. Shape into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. While the Struffoli are still warm, prepare the caramel glaze by combining sugar, water, and melted butter in a saucepan.
5. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
7. Once Struffoli are completely cool, drizzle with caramel glaze.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Covered Struffoli
Coconut Covered Struffoli Recipe
These bite-sized treats are a sweet twist on the classic Italian dessert. With a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, these struffoli are covered in a generous helping of shredded coconut for an added layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Shredded coconut for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, and eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Remove struffoli from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Coat warm struffoli in shredded coconut.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Espresso Flavored Struffoli
Elevate your holiday traditions with these rich and decadent espresso-flavored struffoli, perfect for a Christmas treat or special occasion. With a delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, these Italian-inspired cookies will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee)
• 1 egg
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and espresso powder until smooth. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Zest and Poppy Seed Struffoli
Lemon Zest and Poppy Seed Struffoli Recipe
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic Italian struffoli, these bite-sized treats combine the brightness of lemon zest with the nutty flavor of poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, egg, lemon zest, and poppy seeds.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Almond and Honey Struffoli
A traditional Sicilian treat, these sweet and crunchy Struffoli are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1 cup sliced almonds
– Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, milk, egg, and almond extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
6. Cut ropes into 1-inch pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool completely before drizzling with honey and sprinkling with sliced almonds.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rosewater and Cardamom Struffoli
Rosewater and Cardamom Struffoli Recipe
Experience the sweet and aromatic flavors of Italy’s Sfogliatelle pastry with a Middle Eastern twist, infused with rosewater and cardamom. This classic Sicilian dessert gets a romantic makeover for special occasions or as a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add lukewarm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and roll out into thin sheets.
- Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide) and shape into struffoli (shell-like shapes).
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (including rising time)
Chocolate Hazelnut Struffoli
These chocolate-dipped struffoli are a classic Italian dessert that combines the richness of hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Add lukewarm milk and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and tie into knots.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow struffoli to cool completely. Melt hazelnut spread and dip each struffolo in the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Glazed Struffoli
Maple Glazed Struffoli Recipe
Struffoli are traditional Sicilian sweet treats that are typically served at Christmas time, but with this recipe, you can enjoy them year-round. This maple glaze adds a new level of sweetness and flavor to these classic cookies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing with maple syrup.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Anise Flavored Struffoli
These sweet and fragrant struffoli are a classic Italian dessert, perfect for any occasion. This anise-flavored version adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon anise extract
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, and anise extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove struffoli from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Walnut and Cinnamon Struffoli
Walnut and Cinnamon Struffoli Recipe
Discover the sweet and savory combination of walnuts and cinnamon in these traditional Italian struffoli, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Add lukewarm milk, melted butter, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape into small balls (about 1 inch), and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Walnut and Cinnamon Struffoli!
Berry Compote Topped Struffoli
Elevate your holiday desserts with this sweet and tangy twist on traditional struffoli. This recipe combines the classic Italian cookie with a rich berry compote topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add oil, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes or strips.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. In a small saucepan, combine berries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
6. Dust warm struffoli with confectioners’ sugar. Top with berry compote.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and festive tradition of struffoli! This Italian treat typically features honey-coated dough balls, but our list takes it to the next level with 18 unique flavor combinations. From classic honey and lemon glazed to chocolate drizzled and rum-infused, there’s a struffoli recipe for every taste bud. Other decadent options include caramel glazed, coconut covered, espresso flavored, and maple glazed, while fruit-inspired flavors like orange and almond add a burst of freshness. With so many delicious variations, you’re sure to find the perfect struffoli recipe to impress your friends and family this holiday season!