How to Make Italian Struffoli for Christmas
Struffoli are delightful Italian pastries traditionally prepared during the Christmas season. These sweet, fried dough balls are typically coated in honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them a festive treat loved by many. If you want to impress your family and friends this holiday season, here’s a simple recipe on how to make Italian struffoli that will have everyone talking.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Honey (about 1 cup)
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Shape the Struffoli
Once the dough is ready, take small pieces and roll them into thin ropes, about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into small pieces, roughly the size of a marble. This is the classic shape of struffoli.
Step 3: Fry the Dough Balls
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the struffoli and drain them on paper towels.
Step 4: Coat with Honey
In a large saucepan, gently heat the honey over low heat until it becomes runny. Once all the struffoli are fried and drained, add them to the honey, stirring gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Decorate
Once coated, transfer the struffoli to a serving platter, shaping them into a mound or a wreath. While still warm, sprinkle colorful sprinkles generously over the honey-coated struffoli for a festive touch. You can also add candied fruits or nuts for extra decoration.
Tips for Perfect Struffoli
For the best results, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying to achieve a perfect golden color. You can also experiment with flavors by incorporating lemon zest or orange zest into the dough.
Enjoying Your Struffoli
Italian struffoli are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. During the holiday season, they make for a beautiful centerpiece on dessert tables and are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Making Italian struffoli for Christmas is not only a delicious endeavor but also a cherished tradition that brings families together. With this easy recipe, you can create your own batch of these sweet treats and add a touch of Italy to your holiday celebrations.