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Delightful Struffoli

Delightful Struffoli: A Sweet Taste of Italian Joy

Delightful Struffoli are sweet dough balls glazed with honey and zest, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the dough.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder Ensure it’s fresh.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Must be at room temperature.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Infuses brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Adds depth to flavor.
  • 3 large Eggs No substitutes recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Marsala or White Wine Apple cider can substitute.
For Frying
  • 4 cups Canola Oil Essential for frying.
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Honey Signature glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice Enhances flavor.
Optional Add-ins
  • Nuts (e.g., chopped pistachios or almonds) Adds flavor and texture.
  • Spices (e.g., cinnamon or nutmeg) For warmth.
  • Dried Fruits (e.g., cranberries or apricots) Adds color and flavor.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • pastry cutter
  • Cooking Thermometer
  • frying pan
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Serving Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder until well combined.
  2. Cut in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, eggs, and Marsala or white wine to the mixture, and mix until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms.
  4. Lightly flour your hands and surface; roll small pieces of dough into marble-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  5. In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat canola oil to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying them for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Remove the fried struffoli from the oil and allow excess oil to drain back into the pot, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels.
  8. In a large bowl, combine honey and fresh orange juice until smooth; toss warm struffoli in this mixture.
  9. Arrange the glazed struffoli into a wreath shape on a serving dish, and sprinkle nonpareil sprinkles or crushed nuts over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These struffoli are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature.

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