Italian Strufoli
Delicious Italian Strufoli are golden fried dough balls coated in honey, then dusted with confectioners sugar and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, shortening, eggs, and baking powder in the given order.
- Add a little water, just enough to hold the dough together. If it gets too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Roll dough into a ball. Break off small pieces of dough and roll between floured hands into a long, pencil-like roll.
- Place on a board and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Fry in hot oil until golden, frying a small amount at a time.
- Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain on brown paper until cooled.
- In a deep pan, heat honey.
- Drop in cooked dough balls and stir until coated.
- Lift out quickly and place on a large platter.
- Mound high in the center; sprinkle with confectioners sugar, crushed nuts, and colored sprinkles if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to sift the flour before measuring. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half the shortening with unsalted butter. Additionally, rolling the dough pieces into thinner shapes will result in crisper strufoli. Don't skip the step of draining on brown paper, as this helps remove excess oil for a better finish. For variations, consider adding a splash of vanilla or citrus zest to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Strufoli make a festive centerpiece and can be served on their own or alongside a rich dessert like Ladyfinger Delight for a sweet spread. Pair them with a cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine to complement their flavors. For a colorful presentation, consider adding colored sprinkles on top. They also make a great treat during holidays or family gatherings, adding a touch of Italian tradition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover strufoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the texture. If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through. They are best enjoyed fresh, but reheating can help maintain their delightful taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Strufoli contains roughly 352 calories, with 4g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer texture, or use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid content if the dough feels too dry.
How do I know when the strufoli are done frying?
Strufoli are done when they turn a golden brown color, which usually takes about 2-4 minutes per batch, depending on the size of your dough pieces. Be sure to fry small amounts at a time to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring even cooking.
Can I make strufoli ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Fry the strufoli on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).