Grandma’s struffoli: a sweet family memory.
Struffoli are one of those traditional desserts that evoke Christmas, love, and home.
They are small balls of fried dough, soaked in fragrant honey syrup and decorated with colorful sprinkles and candied fruit. Every family has its version, its recipe, its secret, but the base remains the same: simple and genuine ingredients, just like Grandma used to use.
Do you remember when the kitchen was filled with the scent of warm honey and frying? Grandma, with her apron tied around her waist, would stir vigorously while telling stories of bygone times. And you, perhaps still a child, would eagerly await the moment to taste the first struffolo, sneaking one from the tray.
The beauty of struffoli is precisely this: they are not just a dessert to savor, but a symbol of family and tradition. Making them together is a way to reunite, to rediscover the value of small things, and to pass on a piece of our history.
If you have never tried making them, I recommend challenging yourself. You don’t need to be a great pastry chef: just a little time, love, and a desire to have fun.
Grandma’s struffoli are not just a dessert: they are a hug, a caress, a piece of heart. Enjoy and cherish the tradition!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
To prepare the struffoli, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3.5 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- lemon zest (or orange or tangerine)
- wildflower honey (as needed)
- candied orange
- candied citron (as needed)
- colored sprinkles (as needed)
- 1 qt peanut oil
Steps
Start with a classic flour mound, creating a well in the center where you pour the eggs and add sugar. Mix with a fork and add the salt, previously dissolved in a bit of water, the grated citrus peels, wine or liquor, and finally the softened butter.
Continue working the dough on the board until it becomes smooth and compact.
For those who prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a hook attachment. Let the dough rest in a well-sealed container for about a couple of hours.
Then, form sticks about 3/8 inch in diameter, lightly flouring to prevent the dough from sticking to the knife. Arrange the logs in a row and cut gnocchi about 3/8 inch long.Carefully sift the bites, removing any flour residue, and let them rest on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
At the stove: wait for the peanut oil to reach 350°F. Fry the struffoli until golden, aiming for a color similar to bread crust. Then let them drain on paper towels.
Warm the honey in a large pot, then add the cooled struffoli and mix with a wooden spoon.
Add the candied fruit (oranges and citron) and sprinkles
Delicious!!!
Tips and Notes
Struffoli are a traditional Neapolitan dessert, particularly enjoyed during the Christmas holidays. Here are some helpful tips and notes for making this delicious dessert.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is crucial. All-purpose flour, fresh eggs, and good quality honey will make a difference in the final taste of the struffoli.
Dough: When preparing the dough, it is important not to overwork it. An overworked dough can make the struffoli hard. It should be smooth and homogeneous, but not elastic.
Size of the Balls: The dough balls should be uniformly sized, about 3/8 inch in diameter. This will ensure even cooking during frying.
Frying
Oil Temperature: The oil must be hot before starting to fry. Oil that is too cold will absorb more fat, while oil that is too hot may burn the struffoli. The ideal temperature is around 340-350°F.
Frying in Small Batches: Fry the struffoli in small quantities to prevent lowering the oil temperature. This will help achieve an even, crispy golden brown.
Glaze and Decoration
Honey: Warm the honey before using it to glaze the struffoli. This will make it easier to coat and allow the honey to adhere better.
Decorations: Struffoli can be decorated with colorful sprinkles, candied fruit, or nuts. These decorations not only add a touch of color but also flavor and crunch.
Storage
Storage: Struffoli keep well at room temperature for 10-15 days, thanks to the honey acting as a natural preservative. It is advisable to cover them with a cloth or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
