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Struffoli Wreath
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Struffoli

Struffoli is a deep-fried dough or pastry that is covered with honey or syrup and topped with sprinkles. It is thought to bring good luck to the home it is made in.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Keyword fried dough, holiday, sprinkles, struffoli
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Rest 1 hour
Servings 10

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour divided (extra is for dusting hands and surfaces)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups canola oil enough to have about 2 inches of oil in your pot for deep frying

Honey Sauce

  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Rainbow or Christmas decorating sprinkles nonpareils
  • confectioner's sugar, candied cherries, or nuts are all optional garnishes

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, sugar, lemon zest, salt and baking powder.
  • Cut the butter up into small chunks.
  • Add the butter to the bowl as well. Mix until this is mealy.
  • Blend in the 3 eggs and vanilla. I use a standing mixer, but this can be done by hand.
  • Remove the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes.
  • Shape into a ball, cover the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Lightly dust your hands and work surface so the dough doesn’t stick to you as you are working with it.
  • Roll out the dough, then cut it into strips about as wide as your index finger.
  • Roll the strips into ropes about ¼ inch thick. Then cut into ¼ inch pieces (they should be about marble sized). I find it easiest to line up the ropes and cut a bunch at one time.) Make sure all the pieces are separated on your board, so they don’t stick together while cooking.
  • Heat oil to 375 degrees - hot enough so the balls of dough cook quickly and don’t absorb too much oil.
  • Fry the dough balls in non-crowded batches, just until golden - it will only take a couple of minutes. Turn with a slotted spoon or wire strainer to make sure they turn golden on all sides. As each batch is cooked, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels.

Honey Sauce

  • In a large pot, boil together the honey, sugar, and lemon juice until melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the struffoli to the sauce and stir gently until all of the balls are evenly coated.
  • Arrange the struffoli into a wreath shape, or mound like a Christmas tree, on a serving plate.
  • Lightly cover with sprinkles and serve!

Notes

● You don’t need to roll the dough pieces into balls after cutting them, the little pieces round out while cooking.