Grandma Helen's Struffoli

Bring a taste of tradition to your table with Grandma Helen’s Struffoli—a classic Italian dessert that’s as festive as it is delightful! These golden, lightly fried dough balls are infused with the subtle brightness of lemon zest and vanilla, then coated in warm, glistening honey for a sticky-sweet finish. Topped with colorful rainbow sprinkles and optional candied fruits, this show-stopping treat is a beloved holiday favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Made with simple pantry staples, the recipe comes together quickly with just 25 minutes of prep time and a brief rest for the dough. Ideal for Christmas or any celebration, Grandma Helen’s Struffoli offers an irresistible combination of crunch, sweetness, and nostalgic charm—an authentic Italian dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup honey
• 0.25 cup rainbow sprinkles
• 0.5 cup optional candied fruits (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and lemon zest.

Step 2

Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5

After resting, divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each into thin ropes about 1/2-inch in diameter.

Step 6

Cut the ropes into small, bite-sized pieces and roll them into balls using your hands.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough balls in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per batch.

Step 8

Remove the fried dough balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 9

In a large saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until it becomes runny. Add the fried dough balls and gently stir until evenly coated in honey.

Step 10

Transfer the honey-coated dough balls onto a serving platter and shape them into a mound or ring.

Step 11

Decorate with rainbow sprinkles and optional chopped candied fruits. Allow the honey to cool and set before serving.

Step 12

Serve at room temperature and enjoy with family and friends!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1818.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10911.7

Total Fat 990.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 620mg	0%
Sodium 841.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 564.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.3g	0%
Total Sugars 357.1g
Protein 44.6g	0%

Vitamin D 120IU	0%
Calcium 157.6mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 670.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.5%

Protein: 1.6%

Carbs: 19.9%