Delicious Italian Honey Dough Balls

Learn how to make the traditional Italian sweet treat called Struffoli or Cicerchiata. These delightful honey dough balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated in a golden honey syrup. Perfect for special occasions and holidays!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Honey, for coating
• Rainbow sprinkles, for decoration

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
2. Add the eggs and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into ropes about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Cut the ropes into small pieces, about 1/2 inch long.
6. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
7. Fry the dough pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. In a separate saucepan, heat honey over low heat until warm and runny.
9. Add the fried dough balls to the warm honey and stir gently to coat evenly.
10. Transfer the coated dough balls to a serving platter and shape them into a mound or wreath.
11. Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the top for decoration.
12. Allow the Struffoli or Cicerchiata to cool and set before serving.

Interesting Facts