Struffoli

Struffoli are a traditional Neapolitan dessert typical of the Christmas period, but loved and appreciated all year round. They are fried sweet dough balls, soaked in honey, often enriched with candied fruit and colorful decorations. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 500 g of type 00 flour
• 4 eggs
• 50 g of sugar
• 50 g of butter (or lard)
• The grated zest of 1 lemon (untreated)
• The grated zest of 1 orange (untreated)
• A small glass of liqueur (such as anise or limoncello)
• A pinch of salt
• Honey (about 300 g preferably of good quality)
• Oil for frying (preferably peanut oil)
• Candied fruit to taste
• Colored sprinkles or sugar grains for decoration
• (Optional) cinnamon powder

Preparation

1. On a pastry board or inside a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well.
2. Add the eggs, sugar, lightly melted butter (or lard), lemon and orange zest, liqueur, and a pinch of salt to the center.
3. Start kneading with your hands until you get a smooth and homogenous dough. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of flour.
4. Divide the dough into smaller parts and roll each on a floured surface to form thin cylinders, which you will then cut into small pieces to obtain many little balls.
5. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and once it has reached the desired temperature (about 170-180 °C), fry the struffoli in small quantities, browning them. Then drain them on absorbent paper.
6. In a wide, shallow pot, heat the honey until it becomes fluid. At this point, add the fried struffoli and mix gently to ensure they are well caramelized in the honey.
7. Arrange the struffoli on a serving dish, forming a sort of pyramid or ring and sprinkle them with candied fruit and colored sprinkles.
8. Allow to cool before serving.

Struffoli can be garnished with additions like cinnamon or chocolate to taste. This recipe represents the Neapolitan tradition but, in the variety of home cooking, finds all sorts of personalization.

Fun Facts

It is said that the name “struffolo” originates from the Greek “strongoulos,” which means round, attesting to the ancient origin of this dessert and the long journey of the recipe through cultures and traditions. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!