December 19, 2020

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey are full of delicious orange and honey flavor. I like making struffoli for several reasons. First of all, my husband really loves eating them during the Christmas season. Secondly, they are very quick and easy to make. And, thirdly, they call for ingredients that I already have in my pantry.

The Equipment You’ll Need for Making Struffoli

A Food Scale- In my opinion, it’s essential to weigh flour in all baking projects. Too much flour will make your honey balls too heavy. And, not enough flour will create soggy balls that won’t fry properly.
A Food Processor-I use a food processor to mix the dough.
A Dutch Oven- Use a six quart Dutch oven to fry your dough balls.
A Deep Frying Thermometer- Use this to make sure your oil is at the proper temperature.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey

Flour- Use all purpose flour. I like King Arthur brand.
Eggs- Use large eggs.
Orange Brandy- I used Gran Gala.
Oil- Use vegetable oil. I like Crisco vegetable oil.
Honey- I think that in this recipe using a good, expensive honey is important. I like the flavor of Orange Blossom honey.

How I Made My Honey Balls

First, I mixed together the dough in the food processor.
Next, I emptied the dough out on to a floured board. It’s important not to over flour the dough. Just use enough dough to prevent your dough from being too sticky to work with.
Then, I pinched off small pieces of dough and rolled them into balls. It helps to lightly flour your hands for this process.
Next, I fried the balls in the hot oil. It’s important to make sure your oil is at exactly 375 degrees every time you put a new batch in.
Finally, I made the syrup and mixed the fried balls all around in it.

If you’ve never tried Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey before, you’ll be surprised to see how such simple ingredients make such a yummy dessert.

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey

Orange Blossom honey drizzled fried Italian cookies.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Food processor
deep fry thermometer
Dutch oven

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
½ tsp. kosher salt
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. softened unsalted butter
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups vegetable oil
½ cup orange blossom honey
1 tbsp. fresh squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp. colored sprinkles

Instructions

In a food processor, add the flour,2 tablespoons of the sugar, and salt and pulse it together. Add the butter, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla and pulse it together until a dough is formed.
Empty the dough on to a floured board and roll the dough into a ball. Pinch off small pieces and roll them into marble sized balls.
In a Dutch oven, with a deep-frying thermometer clipped on to the side, pour in two inches of the oil and heat to 350 degrees.
Fry the dough balls in four batches, just until they start to darken in color. Drain on paper towels.
In a large nonstick skillet, mix together the honey syrup: Add the honey, one tablespoon of sugar, and the orange juice on medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Turn the heat to low and stir in the ball until they're well coated.
Spoon the honey balls on to a plate and top with sprinkles.