STRUFFOLI: THE RECIPE FOR THE FAMOUS NEAPOLITAN CHRISTMAS HONEY BALLS

The Neapolitan tradition gives us some simply incredible sweet recipes.

Among them, we should definitely mention struffoli, balls of fried sweet dough that are first dipped in honey and then decorated with colored sprinkles and candied fruit.

It is a typical Christmas dessert that undoubtedly deserves to be brought to our tables during the holidays.

Neapolitan Struffoli, the history

When did the original recipe for Neapolitan struffoli originate?

There is no certain information about it, but it seems that the origins are very ancient.

Apparently, in fact, it was the Greeks who brought this dessert to the Gulf of Naples, during the time of Partenope.

Even the name seems to be of Greek origin.

The term struffoli may in fact derive from strongoulos, meaning rounded in shape.

However, this is only a theory.

It is in fact possible that this term derives from rubbing, which is the gesture that must be performed when working the dough to roll it into the shape of a cylinder.

There are those who say it could mean the rubbing of the palate, in the sense that it tickles given its sweet and simply delicious flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Traditional Flavor: A classic recipe passed down through generations.
• Festive Appeal: Perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Fun to Make: A delightful family activity with simple steps.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp limoncello (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp baking powder

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup honey
• 3 tbsp sugar
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

For Decoration:

• Colored sprinkles (diavolini)
• Candied fruit (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. On a clean work surface or in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, butter, orange zest, lemon zest, limoncello (if using), and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Shape the Struffoli

1. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter.
2. Cut the ropes into small pieces (about the size of a hazelnut).
3. Lightly dust the pieces with flour to prevent sticking.

3. Fry the Dough

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the dough balls in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Stir gently to ensure even frying.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Coat the Struffoli

1. In a large saucepan, warm the honey, sugar, and orange zest (if using) over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the fried struffoli to the honey mixture and stir gently to coat each piece evenly.

5. Assemble and Decorate

1. Transfer the honey-coated struffoli to a serving dish and shape them into a mound or a wreath (use a glass in the center as a guide for the wreath shape, then remove it).
2. Sprinkle generously with colorful diavolini and candied fruit for decoration.

Serving

• Let the struffoli cool and set slightly before serving.
• Enjoy with espresso or as part of a festive dessert spread.

Tips

• Make Ahead: Struffoli can be fried a day in advance and coated with honey just before serving.
• Custom Decorations: Use nuts or silver dragées for a personalized touch.
• Storage: Keep struffoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Buon appetito! Celebrate the holidays with this sweet, crunchy, and irresistible Neapolitan classic. 🎄

Nutritional Facts for Neapolitan Struffoli

(Per Serving; Recipe Serves 8)

Notes:

• Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
• Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
• Honey and sprinkles contribute to the sugar content.

Struffoli Recipe

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Servings 8

Ingredients

  

For making the dough:

• 4 cups of all purpose flour
• 1/8 cup of sugar
• fine salt to taste
• 3 eggs and 2 yolks
• orange and lemon peel to taste
• 1/2 cup of butter

For the topping:

• 1 cup of honey mixed-flower
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• lemon and orange peel to taste
• colored sprinkles to taste
• candied orange to taste
• candied cherries to taste
• oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Here is how to proceed.
• Pour the flour into a bowl along with sugar, salt, lemon and orange zest, butter, eggs and yolks.
• Knead everything together and as soon as a smooth mixture is obtained, let it rest covered for about an hour’s time.
• Cut out chunks of about 1 centimeter, maximum 2, from the dough.
• Fry them in boiling oil until golden brown.
• Place them to rest on paper towels.
• At this point you can prepare the topping.
• Pour the honey, sugar, orange and lemon zest into a saucepan along with the water.
• Bring to a boil and continue cooking until a yellow mixture is obtained.
• Dip the struffoli into the honey along with also some of the candied fruit, about half.
• Turn the sweets upside down on a tray, creating the shape you prefer, traditionally in the shape of a hill.
• Decorate with the remaining candied fruit and sprinkles.
• Let cool before serving, preferably for a couple of hours.