Traditional Italian Honey-Coated Strufoli (Fried or Baked)
These traditional Italian Christmas treats feature bite-sized twisted dough pieces fried until golden and coated in warm honey with colorful sprinkles. Originally from Naples, strufoli are crispy on the outside with a tender interior, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions. This family recipe includes both frying and baking methods, with whiskey adding subtle depth to the dough. The honey coating creates a sweet, sticky finish that binds the pieces together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ tablespoons whiskey
- ½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons Crisco shorteningbutter1:1traditionaladds dairy
butter adds richer flavor
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 ounces honey
- 3 tablespoons nonpareils, multicoloredchopped nuts1:1nut-lover
almonds or pistachios work well
- corn oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour and baking powder together in a bowl
- 2
Combine beaten eggs, whiskey, vanilla extract, and shortening in separate bowl
- 3
Mix wet and dry ingredients together until dough forms into a ball
- 4
Knead dough for 5 minutes
- 5
Divide dough into 3 equal pieces
- 6
Roll each section into 1/8 inch thick rectangle
- 7
Cut into 1/2 inch wide by 2 inch long strips
- 8
Twist the strips and set aside covered
- 9
Deep fry at 375 degrees until golden brown or bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes until golden and crunchy
- 10
Blot fried pieces on paper towels
- 11
Place cooked strufoli in large pot and drizzle with honey
- 12
Heat and toss until well coated
- 13
Transfer to serving platter and sprinkle with nonpareils
Tips
Keep twisted dough strips covered while working to prevent drying out.
Test oil temperature with a small piece of dough before frying the batch.
Work quickly when coating with honey as it sets fast once cooled.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Can prepare dough strips day before and refrigerate covered
Best served at room temperature within few hours of coating
Common Mistakes
Keep oil at steady 375F to avoid greasy or burnt results
Don't skip kneading time or dough will be tough
Work quickly with honey coating before it hardens
Substitutions
almonds or pistachios work well
FAQ
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the whiskey with an equal amount of vanilla extract or milk for similar moisture content.
How long do strufoli keep fresh?
They stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, though they're best eaten within 24 hours.
Can I freeze the dough strips?
Yes, freeze the twisted strips on a tray, then store in bags for up to 3 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen.