tagAlt.Traditional Christmas Neapolitan Struffoli

Classic Neapolitan Struffoli: The Festive Honeyed Delight

Struffoli: The iconic Neapolitan Christmas dessert—crisp, honeyed dough bites that brighten every holiday table.
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    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Vanessa:

Making and enjoying these with my family is a part of our set-in-stone family tradition around the holiday season. My roots are in Naples, and while...

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tagAlt.Traditional Christmas Neapolitan Struffoli

Discovering Struffoli: A Timeless Neapolitan Christmas Indulgence

Struffoli are a beloved Christmas treat from Naples, consisting of tiny golden balls of fried dough lavishly coated in aromatic honey. These bite-sized sweets are an essential part of the Italian holiday table, celebrated for both their flavor and festive appearance.

While it’s true that almost anything fried tastes delicious, Struffoli stand out thanks to their incredibly tender dough, which is light yet flavorful even before hitting the hot oil. For a perfectly authentic result, roll the dough into thin ropes, cut into small pillows, and deep-fry in high-quality sunflower or peanut oil. These oils deliver a crisp outside without making the dough heavy, allowing the sweetness of the honey to shine through with every bite.

The finishing touch—generous drizzling of local Italian honey—transforms these crisp morsels into a sticky, irresistible treat. It’s no wonder both children and adults await this dessert with such excitement during the holidays. As with many traditional recipes, Struffoli invite creativity: add candied orange peel for vibrant color, or sprinkle with silver dragées for a touch of festive sparkle. However you choose to decorate, Struffoli promise to bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations!

Eating Your Way Through Naples: Essential Foods and Drinks

Naples is a paradise for food lovers, bustling with iconic dishes like Neapolitan pizza, sfogliatelle, and an array of street foods. Its rich culinary legacy is matched only by the vibrant local culture—a must-visit for anyone passionate about authentic Italian cuisine.

By Francesca Ciancio

 

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Homemade Struffoli dough

  • All-purpose flour 400 grams
  • Egg 2
  • Eggs (Yolk Only) 1
  • Sugar (Granulated) 60 grams
  • Butter 80 grams
  • Salt as needed
  • Seed oil as needed

Fresh Honey Glaze for Struffoli

  • Honey 250 grams
  • Sugar (Granulated) 50 grams
  • Water 1 tea spoon
  • Sprinkles as needed
  • Nonpareils as needed

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Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Mix and shape the classic Struffoli dough

Begin by whisking together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and fresh eggs in a large bowl until just combined. Add a pinch of fine sea salt and blend in softened butter. Mix gently—overworking will toughen the dough.

The dough should be supple and soft, not sticky. If it feels overly moist, sprinkle in a bit more flour until manageable. Let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, ensuring a tender bite.

Transfer to a floured surface, divide into even portions, and roll each into thin ropes. Slice into tiny pillow-like pieces, reminiscent of gnocchi, which will form your Struffoli. Set aside as you complete the batch.

Step

2

Of 3

Fry to golden perfection

Pour a generous amount of sunflower or peanut oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil until it shimmers—aim for 170-180°C (340-355°F) for best results. Carefully add the dough pieces in batches, frying until each turns a deep golden color and is cooked through.

Use a slotted spoon to lift the Struffoli onto a plate lined with paper towels, letting excess oil drain. This step ensures the final dessert remains light and not greasy.

Step

3

Of 3

Enrobe with honey and finish with festive decorations

In a small saucepan, combine Italian honey, a spoonful of sugar, and a splash of water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the mixture bubbles and takes on a golden hue—be careful not to let it caramelize too much.

Remove from the heat, add the fried Struffoli, and toss thoroughly so every piece is enveloped in the glossy honey glaze.

Transfer the sticky Struffoli to a serving platter using a slotted spoon. While still warm, sprinkle generously with colorful candied fruits and festive nonpareils or silver dragées. Allow to cool and serve at room temperature; the result is a dazzling, celebratory treat that embodies the spirit of Neapolitan Christmas!

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

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Reviews

Vanessa Wednesday 2nd of September 2020

Christmas wouldn't be complete without them!

Making and enjoying these with my family is a part of our set-in-stone family tradition around the holiday season. My roots are in Naples, and while I think they must taste pretty amazing there too, I love this version and make it every year with the family. It's a great one to get little kids involved in too, as they love decorating (and eating the decorations!) and rolling the dough out. Love this version, and it's been with us for a long time now!

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