Sweet fried dough coated in a tasty honey mixture, this Struffoli is a delicious Christmas dessert that is not only eye catching but absolutely tasty!
If you haven’t noticed by now I am absolutely overloading you with all the holiday treats! I’m sorry but it’s happening and you’ll thank me for it.
Why? You may ask, because you might just find some irresistible treats on here that you would have never thought to make or ones that you completely forgot about.
Christmas is the season of sharing and I’m sharing all of my favorite holiday treats with you and this Struffoli is one of them!
If you have never tried this before, you are absolutely missing out on a wonderful dessert that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Also known as Honey Balls, these little balls of dough are heaven. Coated in a delicious honey glaze, stacked and decorated. Oh I just can’t tell you how much I love this.
I don’t remember where I first had Struffoli but it’s been ages ago and once we had it we were sold and then started making it ourselves and sharing with others.
Obviously they were sold too. This is one of my specialty desserts that I make for only the holidays because it does take a little time and effort, but well worth it in the end!
Some of my other favorite holiday treats we have on our site include: Tiramisu, Potato Candy and Eggnog Cake!
Make ahead: You can make struffoli 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Hold off on decorating with the sprinkles until you’re ready to serve, otherwise their colors could bleed.
CAN I MAKE THE DOUGH AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, just cover the kneaded dough with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. It may be kept this way for 24 hours.
HOW DO I MAKE THIS INTO A SHAPE OF A WREATH?
We like to put a glass in the middle of the serving plate and place the glazed balls around it. Remove the glass when you are ready to serve.
How to Make Struffoli (Neapolitan Honey Balls)
FAQ
What does struffoli mean in italian?
Can struffoli be frozen?
The fried and cooled dough balls can be made and refrigerated (for up to 5 days) or frozen (up to 1 month) in an airtight container. When ready to use, bring them to room temperature and coat them with the warm honey mixture. Yes, you can freeze struffoli, but it is not recommended to freeze the uncooked dough. Freeze the already-fried dough balls.
How long do struffoli last?
Storing: while the struffoli will keep for a few days at room temperature once coated in honey, they are best if enjoyed soon after you’ve made them and coated them in honey (a couple hours). When stored for a few days, they lose a bit of their freshness. Baking powder or not? I’ve seen many struffoli recipes that use baking powder in the recipe.
What is Italian struffoli?
This easy struffoli recipe, also known as honey balls, are a simple Italian dessert. Balls of sweet dough are fried until crispy and tossed in a honey sauce and decorated with sprinkles. Italian honey balls or struffoli are a festive Neapolitan dessert that are most often made during Christmas.
How long should struffoli balls be refrigerated?
Use a cake stand or serving plate with a bit of a rim to enclose the struffoli balls. For best results, fry the dough the same day it is made. If necessary, refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Christmas is a time for family, friends, and food.