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Easy Struffoli Recipe

Easy Struffoli Recipe

Tiny golden fried dough bites tossed in warm citrus honey and showered with sprinkles. A festive, crunchy-sweet Italian treat made simple.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.25 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1 tsp orange zest freshly grated
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cup neutral oil for frying
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for the glaze
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or orange juice
  • 0.5 tsp orange zest for the glaze
  • 2 tbsp rainbow nonpareil sprinkles for topping
  • 0.25 cup candied citrus peel optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Whisk flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Beat eggs with softened butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and 1 tsp orange zest until smooth.
  • Stir wet ingredients into dry just until a shaggy dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, 1–2 minutes.
  • Cover and rest the dough 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
  • Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into 1/2-inch ropes; cut into small nuggets and roll into marble-size balls.
  • Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry balls in batches 2–3 minutes, stirring, until deep golden.
  • Drain on a rack or paper towels while you make the glaze.
  • Warm honey, 2 tbsp sugar, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp orange zest in a wide pan until thin and just bubbly.
  • Toss warm struffoli in the honey mixture to coat. Pile on a platter or ring a greased bowl center.
  • Shower with sprinkles and candied peel. Let set 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or swap vanilla for a splash of limoncello. To serve, form a wreath shape around an orange for a festive centerpiece. Storage: Keep loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; refresh by briefly warming with a spoonful of honey if needed.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Struffoli Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.