If you're looking to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday table, look no further than this delicious struffoli recipe. Originating from Naples, Italy, struffoli is a traditional holiday dessert made of fried dough balls coated in honey and topped with festive sprinkles. Not only is it a beautiful addition to any dessert spread, but it's also a fun and easy treat to make with family and friends. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering holiday struffoli recipe.
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unsweetened
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Preparing the Dough
The Main Ingredients
To make the perfect struffoli dough, you'll need flour, eggs, butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. It's important to use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth and even dough consistency. The lemon zest adds a hint of citrus to balance out the sweetness of the honey, and the vanilla extract gives the dough a warm and comforting flavor.
Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Add in the room temperature butter and mix until it resembles coarse sand. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and vanilla extract together. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture while stirring continuously. Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to knead it until it forms a smooth and elastic ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Frying the Dough
Preparing the Oil
While the dough is resting, heat a pot of vegetable oil on medium-high heat. The oil should be at least 3 inches deep to ensure the dough balls cook evenly. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough into the pot. If it immediately starts to sizzle and float to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
Forming the Struffoli
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into long ropes about ½ inch thick. Cut the ropes into small pieces, about ½ inch long. Roll each piece between your palms to form a small ball. You can also use a fork to create ridges on the dough balls for added texture.
Frying and Coating
Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once they turn a light golden brown, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. In a separate pan, warm up honey and add the fried dough balls, coating them evenly. Transfer the struffoli to a serving dish and top with colorful sprinkles.
Now that you have the perfect holiday struffoli, it's time to decorate your table and enjoy this delicious treat with your loved ones. The combination of crunchy fried dough and sweet honey make this dessert a holiday favorite for many families. So why not start a new tradition and add this traditional Italian dish to your holiday celebrations?
