Traditional Christmas Struffoli Recipe: Sweet, Crispy, and Festive Italian Dessert

Christmas Struffoli: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

The History of Christmas Struffoli

Christmas Struffoli is a traditional Italian dessert enjoyed during the festive season. Originating in Southern Italy, these bite-sized, honey-coated dough balls are often served at Christmas gatherings. Their crunchy texture paired with the sweet, citrusy glaze makes them a holiday favorite. The bright sprinkles and toasted almonds used to garnish Struffoli represent joy and abundance, symbolizing the warmth of the Christmas season.

Why Christmas Struffoli Stands Out

What sets Christmas Struffoli apart from other desserts is its unique combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fried dough is perfectly balanced with a sweet honey glaze, complemented by the zest of oranges and lemons. The addition of toasted almonds adds a crunchy contrast, making each bite more delightful. For more Italian holiday dessert inspiration, visit Best Christmas Desserts from Italy.

A Festive Tradition in Every Bite

Many Italian families pass down their Christmas Struffoli recipes from generation to generation, making it an integral part of holiday celebrations. Whether formed into a wreath or served as a heaping mound, Struffoli is often a centerpiece at Christmas feasts. Learn more about its history by visiting Struffoli History and Tradition.

Christmas Struffoli isn’t just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Italian Christmas traditions, bringing families together to enjoy the festive season. Whether you’re making it for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, Struffoli will undoubtedly bring joy and sweetness to your holiday table.

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Basic Recipe: Christmas Struffoli

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STEPS

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl, use fingers or a rubber spatula to mix the orange and lemon zests into the sugar until well combined. Whisk in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the flour mixture until a tacky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead 4 to 5 times to form a ball. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 2

2In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 1 ½ inches of oil until the oil registers 350°F.

Step 3

3Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll the dough into a ½-inch thick rope like you’re making gnocchi. Lightly dust the rope with flour and use a floured bench scraper or knife to cut the rope into ½-inch pieces. Each rope of dough should produce 40 to 50 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a lightly floured baking sheet.

Step 4

4Line another baking sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Working in 4 batches, use a slotted spoon or a spider skimmer to lower the dough balls into the hot oil and fry, stirring frequently, until puffed and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the prepared sheet and repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Step 5

5In a large saucepan, combine the honey and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the honey is warm and pourable. Add all of the dough balls to the honey mixture and remove from the heat. Gently fold the dough into the honey until well coated. Fold in the almonds, if using. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 6

6Place a 4-inch glass bowl in the center of a 12-inch serving platter to help form a wreath shape.

Step 7

7Use a slotted spoon to scoop the honey-coated struffoli onto the serving platter, piling into a mounded wreath. Top with sprinkles. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing the glass bowl from the center of the wreath and serving.

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Advanced Techniques for Perfect Christmas Struffoli

Mastering the Dough for Christmas Struffoli

The foundation of perfect Christmas Struffoli lies in the dough. To achieve the right texture, it’s crucial to knead the dough just enough to make it smooth without overworking it. This prevents the dough from becoming too dense or tough. Additionally, allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping ensures the dough is easier to work with and results in lighter, airier dough balls.

Frying Tips for Crispy Christmas Struffoli

Achieving the ideal crispness in your Christmas Struffoli requires precise frying. Heat the vegetable oil to around 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the frying process. If the oil is too hot, the Struffoli will brown too quickly without cooking through, while cooler oil will result in soggy dough balls. Fry the dough balls in small batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Glazing and Assembling Christmas Struffoli

The key to a perfect honey glaze for your Christmas Struffoli is gently warming the honey without overheating it. Add a touch of fresh orange juice to balance the sweetness and make the glaze more fragrant. Once the Struffoli is fried and drained, toss them in the warm honey mixture to coat evenly. To assemble, mound the glazed dough balls onto a serving plate and finish with toasted almonds and sprinkles for a festive touch. Make sure to serve your Christmas Struffoli immediately for the best texture, as the glaze can soften over time.

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Maintenance Tips: Storing and Serving Christmas Struffoli

Storing Christmas Struffoli Properly

While Christmas Struffoli is best enjoyed fresh, you can store it for a short time. To keep it from losing its crispness, place it in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. However, due to the honey glaze, the dough balls may soften slightly over time. Avoid refrigerating Struffoli, as this will make the dough tough and lose its desirable texture.

Reheating Christmas Struffoli

If you want to bring back some of the crispness after storing, lightly reheat the Christmas Struffoli in a low oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F and warm the Struffoli for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore some of the dough’s original texture without affecting the honey glaze. Just be sure not to overheat, as the honey may caramelize or burn.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Struffoli

When it comes to presentation, Christmas Struffoli shines as a festive centerpiece. Traditionally, Struffoli is shaped into a wreath, but you can get creative by arranging it in a pyramid or as individual servings. For a final touch, add extra toasted almonds, citrus zest, or colorful sprinkles. Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the delightful contrast between the crispy dough and the sweet, sticky honey glaze. With the right storage and serving techniques, your Christmas Struffoli will remain a showstopper at any holiday gathering.

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Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Struffoli

Making Christmas Struffoli Gluten-Free

For those who need a gluten-free version of Christmas Struffoli, it’s possible to substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This swap ensures the dough retains its light and airy texture, without compromising the signature crispiness of traditional Struffoli. Just be mindful to use a gluten-free flour that already contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the dough together and prevent it from crumbling during frying.

Dairy-Free Options for Christmas Struffoli

To make Christmas Struffoli dairy-free, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative. Choose a neutral-flavored dairy-free butter that won’t interfere with the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, be cautious with the frying oil to ensure it doesn’t contain any traces of dairy products, maintaining the dish’s integrity for those with lactose intolerance.

Vegan Variations for Christmas Struffoli

For a vegan twist on Christmas Struffoli, swap out the eggs for a flaxseed egg substitute. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg, allowing the mixture to thicken for a few minutes before incorporating it into the dough. Also, ensure the honey glaze is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the recipe completely plant-based.

Ensuring Flavor Retention

Even with these dietary adjustments, the essence of Christmas Struffoli remains intact. The citrus zest, honey glaze (or vegan alternative), and toasted almonds still provide the same festive flavors, while adapting the recipe to various dietary needs. This allows everyone to enjoy the delightful crunch and sweetness of Christmas Struffoli during the holiday season.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Struffoli

Can Christmas Struffoli Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare Christmas Struffoli ahead of time. The dough can be made and shaped into balls a day before frying. Store the uncooked dough balls in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving to ensure that they stay fresh and crispy.

Why Is My Christmas Struffoli Soggy?

If your Christmas Struffoli turns out soggy, it’s likely due to improper frying or excessive honey glaze. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature—around 350°F—before frying, and let the dough balls drain on paper towels after frying. Too much glaze can also make the dough lose its crunch, so toss the Struffoli lightly in the honey mixture.

How Long Does Christmas Struffoli Stay Fresh?

Christmas Struffoli is best eaten on the day it’s made. However, it can stay fresh for up to two days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep in mind that the honey glaze will cause the dough balls to soften over time, so for optimal texture, serve it immediately after glazing.

Can I Add Different Toppings to Christmas Struffoli?

Absolutely! While Christmas Struffoli traditionally uses toasted almonds and sprinkles, feel free to get creative. You can add chopped pistachios, candied fruits, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to personalize your Struffoli and make it stand out even more at your holiday gatherings.

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Final Thoughts on Christmas Struffoli

Why Christmas Struffoli Is a Must for the Holidays

There’s a reason Christmas Struffoli has stood the test of time as a beloved holiday dessert. Its crispy, honey-glazed exterior paired with the festive sprinkles and toasted almonds captures the essence of the season. Whether it’s a family tradition or a new addition to your holiday table, Struffoli brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Perfecting Christmas Struffoli with Practice

While the recipe is simple, mastering Christmas Struffoli requires attention to detail. From getting the dough texture just right to ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent, each step plays a key role in the final product. The good news is that, with each attempt, your Struffoli will get better, making it a fun and rewarding recipe to perfect.

Making Christmas Struffoli Your Own

One of the beauties of Christmas Struffoli is its versatility. You can stick to the classic version or add your personal twist. Maybe you’ll experiment with different citrus zests, swap out toppings, or even add your favorite spices to the dough. Whatever approach you take, this dessert allows for creativity while still preserving its traditional roots.

The Joy of Sharing Christmas Struffoli

Finally, the true spirit of Christmas Struffoli lies in sharing it with loved ones. Whether served as a sweet treat after dinner or enjoyed during a holiday celebration, Struffoli is meant to be savored with family and friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a dessert that brings people together—just as Christmas should.