Struffoli is a beloved Italian dessert that makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday dessert table. Much like the French croquembouche or the Norwegian ring cake, this festive treat is as beautiful as it is delicious. A blend of crispy dough balls, nuts, and a sweet honey glaze, struffoli is traditionally formed into a cone or ring and adorned with colorful candies.

This guide will walk you through the history, variations, and step-by-step process of making struffoli, ensuring your dessert is as enjoyable to create as it is to eat.

What Is Struffoli?

Struffoli is a traditional Italian dessert made from small fried dough balls mixed with nuts and coated in honey syrup. It’s typically shaped into a pyramid or ring and decorated with festive, edible adornments. Struffoli’s roots span across Italy, with slight variations depending on the region.

Regional Variations:

• Northern Italy: Struffoli was historically made with hazelnuts, a local specialty.
• Southern Italy: Due to the expense of hazelnuts, cooks here incorporated fried dough balls to stretch the ingredients, creating the classic dough-and-nut combination we see today.
• Neapolitan Tradition: The dough is fried and shaped around an inverted glass to achieve a tall, conical structure.

Key Ingredients for Struffoli

• Dough: Typically made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and sugar.
• Honey Syrup: A fragrant mix of honey and optional citrus or liqueur for added depth.
• Add-Ins and Decorations: Nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts), dried fruits, and colorful candies like Jordan almonds or dragees.

How to Make Struffoli

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix flour, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough.
2. Roll the dough into thin ropes and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Fry the Dough

1. Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the dough balls in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Alternative: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a choux pastry recipe to bake the dough balls instead.

Step 3: Make the Honey Syrup

1. Heat honey in a saucepan and add a splash of citrus juice, zest, or liqueur for flavor.
2. Keep the syrup warm and ready for assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Struffoli

1. Drizzle the hot honey syrup over the dough balls and nuts in a large bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure everything is well-coated.
   Be cautious—honey syrup can be very hot!
2. Start by forming a base with the dough balls. Arrange them into a ring or circle for stability.
3. Layer more dough balls on top, shaping them into a pyramid or tower.

Step 5: Decorate and Finalize

1. Once the syrup has cooled and set, inspect the structure and add more nuts or balls to fill any gaps.
2. Decorate with colorful candies, edible glitter, or anything festive. Use a dab of honey syrup as an adhesive for your decorations.

Tips for Success

• Shape Like a Pro: If making a tall pyramid, build around an inverted glass or vase for stability. Remove the support once the syrup sets.
• Creative Decorations: Let your imagination shine—add sprinkles, candied fruit, or chocolate chips for a unique touch.
• Make Ahead: Struffoli holds up well and can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

A Timeless Tradition

Struffoli is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Whether you’re making it with family, and friends, or for the first time, this Italian treat will surely bring joy and sweet memories to your holiday celebrations.

For inspiration and a step-by-step breakdown, visit Giada De Laurentiis’ Struffoli Recipe. Discover how her family touches elevate this classic dessert and make it a must-try for the holiday season!