The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
Profile Photo

Struffoli (Honey Balls)

5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep:

Cook:

Level: Easy

System:

6
x

Print Options

Page size Letter 3x5 4x6
Text Size Small Medium Large
Content Include description
Include prep time, etc.
Show image

Description

Struffoli! Strew-foal-e are some awesome little marble-sized honey balls of delight! Oh yes, they’re sticky! But that’s part of the fun!

Struffoli are a Neapolitan dessert typically found around Christmas and Easter. You normally find them in either the shape of a wreath or a cone-like tree.

Ingredients

  • 2-½ cups Flour, Plus Extra For Rolling
  • 1-½ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 4 whole Large Eggs
  • ¾ cups Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 12 ounces, fluid Honey
  • 48 ounces, fluid Vegetable Oil, For Frying
  • 1 Tablespoon Spinkles, Optional, Garnish
  • 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Sugar, Garnish Optional

Preparation

Into your mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix to combine. Create a well in the bottom and add your eggs, sugar and vanilla extract and mix on low with your paddle attachment until well combined and a dough has formed. If dough is too sticky, add a little flour. Allow your dough to rest for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Add the oil to a deep-sided pan and heat to 350 degrees. WHILE oil is heating, roll out your dough onto a lightly floured surface into strands and then cut them into roughly 1″ pieces. With floured hands, roll each piece into a ball (about the size of a large marble). Continue until all dough is formed into balls.

When oil is at 350 degrees, add a few balls at a time to the oil (DO NOT CROWD THE PAN). Once the balls have risen to the top, you’ll need to carefully turn them with a spoon or chopstick (whatever utensil works best for you) until they turn a nice golden color. With a skimmer, transfer balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra oil. Continue until all balls have been fried. You need to monitor the oil to be sure it maintains a 350-degree temperature (I recommend a candy thermometer).

In a separate pan, add your honey and heat over low heat until honey is melted. Add the cooked dough balls and coat well with honey. CAREFULLY transfer coated honey balls to your serving tray. Arrange them in either a wreath shape or a cone shape (tree-like). Generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or sprinkles.

Buon Appetito!

One Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Profile photo of piescientista

piescientista on 12.30.2009

I am so excited to see this post! Honey Balls are a Christmas Eve staple for my Mom’s family on Long Island, but there are no italian pastries in MN. I am going to surprise my Mom with these for Christmas next year and I bet she will be shocked. Thanks for the recipe!

One Review

You must be logged in to post a review.

Profile photo of jackieg

jackieg on 1.4.2012

These would grace my grandmothers table every Christmas. I made them this Christmas for my family. They are as wonderful as I remember them to be! I will certainly make them again next year. Grazie!!!

Related Recipes

Summer Peach Crumble with Ginger
Profile Photo by Emily Nader in Desserts
This peach crumble is easy to make and full of flavor....
5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy


Lemon Cream Tarts
Profile Photo by simmering essence in Desserts
These are one of my very favorite desserts. The lemon cream...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 12 Level: Intermediate


Brown Butter Blondies
Profile Photo by Lindsay @ My Therapist Cooks in Desserts
Super yummy and easy blondies made in one bowl with no...
4.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 16 Level: Easy


Cannoli Cupcakes
Profile Photo by Krystle in Desserts
Rich vanilla cupcakes topped with cannoli cream and chocolate coffee frosting....
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 24 Level: Intermediate


Pumpkin Cupcakes
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Desserts
These scrumptious and adorable moist cinnamon pumpkin cupcakes are topped with...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 12 Level: Easy