Struffoli (Honey Balls)

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!