Struffoli are little balls of dough with a sweet honey glaze and nonpareil sprinkles. My grandma always made them for Christmas, but since she can't do it anymore, I came up with my own variation that she loves because they are a little bit sweeter than the traditional bread-like ones. Also, they have to be formed into a tower... It's tradition!
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Calories
303 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Beat eggs, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together in a bowl; stir in baking powder. Slowly stir flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, into egg mixture until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into small balls.
Step 2
Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) or until you see little waves on the bottom of the saucepan.
Step 3
Working in small batches, fry dough balls in hot oil until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer struffoli to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
Step 4
Heat honey in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly mix 1/2 cup sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, into honey until sugar is melted and glaze is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Step 5
Transfer struffoli to a large bowl and pour glaze on top; toss quickly to evenly coat before glaze hardens.
Step 6
Arrange struffoli into a tower shape or Christmas tree shape on a serving plate. Sprinkle nonpareil sprinkles over struffoli.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 eggs
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
½ cup white sugar, or more to taste
¼ cup all-purpose flour, or as needed
½ cup honey, or more to taste
1 tablespoon rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, or to taste