Struffoli, those sweet and crispy Italian treats shaped like tiny rings, are a staple at any holiday gathering. But why settle for just one flavor when you can have 18? In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with our collection of unique and delicious struffoli recipes. From classic Italian flavors to creative twists and international inspirations, we’ve got you covered.
From the familiar honey glaze to the exotic saffron-infused, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in this beloved cookie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these struffoli recipes are sure to impress your friends and family.
So, which one will you try first?
Classic Italian Struffoli with Honey Glaze
Classic Italian Struffoli with Honey Glaze: A sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Honey, for glaze
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together lard or shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into small pieces, then shape each piece into a ring or twist.
8. Place struffoli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and drizzling with honey glaze.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate-Drizzled Struffoli with Pistachios
Sweet Italian treats get a decadent twist with these Chocolate-Drizzled Struffoli with Pistachios! Crunchy, buttery struffoli are smothered in rich chocolate and sprinkled with toasted pistachios for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into strips.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over cooled struffoli. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Lemon-Infused Struffoli with Candied Citrus
Struffoli are traditional Italian cookies that are often flavored with citrus and topped with sweet, crunchy candied fruit. In this recipe, we’re giving the classic a bright and zesty twist by infusing the dough with lemon zest and juice, then topping it with candied citrus peel.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– Candied citrus peel (orange, lemon, or a combination), chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., strips, circles).
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
6. Top with chopped candied citrus peel.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cinnamon Spice Struffoli with Toasted Almonds
These Italian-style cookies are a perfect treat during the holiday season, filled with the warmth of cinnamon and crunch from toasted almonds. Perfect for snacking or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Toasted almonds for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cinnamon and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter and egg until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into strips and twist into knots.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely before tossing with toasted almonds.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Blossom Struffoli with Rose Petals
Celebrate the sweet flavors of Italy and the romance of roses with these delicate, rose-petal infused struffoli cookies. These bite-sized treats are perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
– 1/4 cup chopped dried rose petals
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add sugar, orange marmalade, confectioners’ sugar, and orange blossom water to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Cut into small squares and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with chopped rose petals.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vanilla Bean Struffoli with Warm Caramel Sauce
These traditional Italian struffoli are a classic Christmas treat, typically coated in honey and sprinkles. In this recipe, we’ll give them an extra boost of flavor by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Warm caramel sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Fry the struffoli in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with warm caramel sauce.
Warm Caramel Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until caramel is warm and golden brown.
Ricotta-Stuffed Struffoli with Honey Syrup
These Italian-inspired cookies are a sweet treat during the holiday season. Ricotta-stuffed struffoli are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated in honey syrup for an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1 egg
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Honey syrup (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Add lard or shortening and mix until crumbly. Beat in egg.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into strips and tie into knots.
6. Place struffoli on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool before dipping in honey syrup (see below).
Honey Syrup:
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup water
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Amaretto-Glazed Struffoli with Hazelnuts
Sweet Struffoli with Hazelnuts and Amaretto Glaze: A Twist on a Traditional Italian Treat
These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. The combination of crunchy struffoli, nutty hazelnuts, and rich amaretto glaze is sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 egg, beaten
– Hazelnuts, toasted and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
– Amaretto liqueur (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into small shapes (about 1-2 inches) and fry in boiling oil for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Melt butter and sugar together, then stir in amaretto liqueur.
6. Toss fried struffoli with melted glaze, sprinkling with toasted hazelnuts.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Espresso-Dusted Struffoli with Dark Chocolate Shavings
A decadent twist on traditional Italian struffoli, these sweet and savory treats combine the richness of espresso with the deepness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add espresso to the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into strips and tie into knots.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with dark chocolate shavings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut-Crusted Struffoli with Mango Glaze
Elevate your holiday cookie game with this innovative recipe combining the traditional Italian struffoli with the sweetness of coconut and mango.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
3. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract; mix until dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes.
4. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide).
5. Place strips on prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow struffoli to cool completely before drizzling with mango glaze.
Mango Glaze:
Mix diced mango with 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Pistachio and Cardamom Struffoli
Pistachio and Cardamom Struffoli: A Delicate Italian Treat
These sweet struffoli are a classic Neapolitan Christmas cookie, flavored with the unique combination of pistachios and cardamom. This recipe yields a delicate and fragrant treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pistachio meal
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough thinly.
5. Cut into strips and fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
6. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
7. Mix granulated sugar, pistachio meal, and ground cardamom for the coating.
8. Toss fried struffoli in the coating mixture to combine.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Brown Butter Struffoli with Sea Salt
Struffoli are traditional Italian Christmas cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. This recipe adds a rich, nutty flavor with brown butter and a touch of sea salt for added depth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup crushed sea salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it has a nutty aroma and golden color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the brown butter mixture and stir until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with crushed sea salt.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Maple-Glazed Struffoli with Candied Pecans
Elevate your holiday cookie game with this sweet and crunchy treat, featuring a maple glaze and the added crunch of candied pecans.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Water, for deep-frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add egg and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into strips.
4. Fry dough strips in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup and granulated sugar. Add candied pecans and stir to combine.
6. Dip fried struffoli in the maple glaze mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Place glazed struffoli on a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Blackberry-Lemon Struffoli with Thyme Honey
Struffoli are a classic Italian cookie that typically involves frying dough balls and then coating them in honey and sprinkles. This recipe adds a twist by incorporating blackberries, lemon zest, and thyme honey for a unique flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon blackberry jam
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Thyme honey (store-bought or homemade)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Gradually add milk and egg to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into strips and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. In a bowl, mix blackberry jam and lemon zest.
8. Dip fried cookies in the jam mixture, then coat with thyme honey.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Tiramisu-Inspired Struffoli with Mascarpone Drizzle
Elevate your holiday celebrations with these crispy, cheese-filled struffoli infused with the flavors of tiramisu. A perfect combination of sweet and savory, this treat is sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
– Mascarpone drizzle ingredients (below)
Struffoli Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Mascarpone Drizzle:
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a bowl, whipping until smooth. Drizzle over cooled struffoli. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rosemary-Honey Struffoli with Pine Nuts
These sweet struffoli are infused with the fragrance of rosemary and the warmth of honey, while crunchy pine nuts add a delightful texture. Perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or as a unique dessert to serve at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rosemary leaves, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole pine nuts
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add honey, chopped rosemary, and salt; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with pine nuts.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
Rum-Soaked Struffoli with Golden Raisins
These bite-sized treats are a twist on the classic Italian cookie, infused with the warm spices of struffoli and the indulgent flavor of rum.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 ounces rum (such as dark or gold rum)
– Golden raisins for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in the rum.
6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool before serving. Garnish with golden raisins.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Saffron-Infused Struffoli with Orange Zest
Celebrate the flavors of Italy with these delicate, saffron-infused struffoli cookies, enhanced by the brightness of orange zest. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a festive dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and saffron mixture.
2. Add baking powder and orange zest; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar and beaten egg; mix until a dough forms.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden; drain and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat with these 18 scrumptious struffoli recipes! From classic Italian honey glaze to decadent chocolate drizzle and exotic flavors like orange blossom and saffron-infused, there’s something for every baker’s taste. Discover how to create delicious struffoli with unique ingredients like pistachios, toasted almonds, and candied citrus. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to inspire your next baking adventure.
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