Struffoli o Cicerchiata (Italian Honey Dough Balls)

Fried dough balls coated in caramelized honey are piled into an impressive dessert centerpiece in this Italian recipe served at holidays.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 mins
• Total Time: 27 mins
• Calories: 636 Calories

Ingredients

• vegetable oil for frying
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 pinch salt
• 0.5 lemon, zested
• 0.5 teaspoon rum extract
• 4.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 5.5 tablespoons butter
• 1.5 (12 ounce) jars honey
• 0.25 cup sugar sprinkles, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, rum extract, and salt together in a large bowl to create a soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Roll dough into a thin log the width of your pinky finger, about 1/4 inch. Cut log into small pieces; roll into balls. Dust with flour to prevent from sticking.

Step 3

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Place a few balls of dough in a sieve to shake off excess flour. Cook in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining balls of dough.

Step 4

Pour honey into a saucepan over low heat. Cook until a small amount of honey dropped into cold water forms a soft ball. Add fried balls of dough to the hot honey; stir gently with a wooden spoon until coated.

Step 5

Rinse a serving plate and shake off the water. Pile dough balls onto the serving plate in the shape of a dome or ring using damp hands or a damp wooden spoon. Garnish with sugar sprinkles. Let cool completely.