Delicious Struffoli: A Festive Twist for Your Holiday Table

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the holiday season approaches, there s a particular excitement that fills the air, especially when it comes to preparing festive treats. This is where struffoli, the beloved traditional sweet from Naples, truly shines. Imagine small, golden-brown dough balls, each one crisp on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside, awaiting a warm embrace of honey and a sprinkle of festive colors. I first discovered struffoli during a family Christmas gathering, where their sweet aroma danced through the kitchen, captivating everyone.

These bite-sized morsels have become a staple in my holiday baking, not just for their irresistible taste, but for the conversations they spark around the table. Easy to make yet undeniably impressive, struffoli are the perfect way to elevate your holiday gatherings and bring a piece of Italian tradition to your home. So, gather your loved ones and let s dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises to spread joy and sweetness this festive season!

Why will you love Struffoli?

Deliciously Festive: Struffoli are not just any dessert; they embody the spirit of holiday joy with their vibrant colors and sweet honey glaze, making them a visual delight on your table.

Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to focus on making memories with family rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

Crispy Yet Fluffy: Each bite offers a delightful crunch paired with a soft, airy interior, creating a unique texture that will leave everyone wanting more.

Cultural Tradition: Embrace the essence of Italian heritage with struffoli, often enjoyed during Christmas, bringing a sense of warmth and festivity to your celebrations.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bite-sized morsels are perfect for sharing, making them a hit at holiday parties and gatherings where everyone will enjoy their sweet, sticky goodness.

Struffoli Ingredients

Perfect for your festive baking.

For the Dough

• Plain Flour Provides structure and gives the struffoli their body; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Eggs Adds richness and binds the dough together; no substitutions are recommended.
• Salt Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; keep as is for the best results.
• Lemon Zest Adds freshness and aroma; can substitute with orange zest for a different citrus note.
• Limoncello Adds flavor and moisture to the dough; you can use any citrus-flavored liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic version.

For Frying

• Oil (for deep frying) Necessary for frying to achieve the crispy texture; use vegetable or peanut oil for frying.

For Coating

• Honey Provides sweetness and a glaze when coating; choose a mild-flavored honey to avoid overpowering the dish.

For Decoration

• Colored Sprinkles or Nuts/Candied Peel Adds texture and visual appeal; use your favorite or seasonal toppings.

How to Make Struffoli

1. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine plain flour, eggs, salt, lemon zest, and limoncello. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, then let rest for 1 hour to develop flavors.
2. Shape Pieces: After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into ropes about 1 cm thick, then cut into 1 cm pieces. Roll each piece into small, fluffy balls.
3. Heat Honey: In a saucepan, gently warm honey with a splash of limoncello over low heat until it becomes smooth and easy to drizzle.
4. Fry Struffoli: Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep pan to 350 °F. To test, drop in a small cube of bread; it should brown in 1 minute. Fry the dough pieces in batches until they turn golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Coat and Shape: Quickly toss the warm, fried struffoli in the warmed honey until fully coated. Transfer them to a serving plate, shaping them into a towering pyramid or a festive ring. Sprinkle with colorful decorations as desired.

Optional: Drizzle more honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Struffoli Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delicious ideas and give your struffoli a personal twist that suits your festive spirit!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious option that everyone can enjoy.
• Citrus Zest Swap: Swap lemon zest for orange or even lime zest, adding a zingy brightness to your sweet treats.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, into the dough for added texture and flavor depth.
• Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist that evokes cozy holiday vibes.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace limoncello with fresh lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version, keeping all that refreshing flavor intact!
• Different Honey: Try using floral honey varieties, like lavender or clover, to give your struffoli a unique flavor profile and delightful aroma.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After coating in honey, drizzle warm melted chocolate over the struffoli for a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Customized Decorations: Choose seasonal toppings think crushed peppermint for winter holidays or colorful sprinkles to match your party theme!

Embrace your creativity and make these treats truly your own!

What to Serve with Struffoli?

Struffoli, with their sweet honey glaze and festive colors, create a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table that can be complemented by a variety of sides.

• Italian Espresso: A strong, rich coffee that balances the sweetness of struffoli, making for a perfect end to your meal.
• Creamy Panna Cotta: This silky dessert provides a wonderful contrast to the crunchy texture of struffoli, enhancing the dining experience.
• Fruity Compote: A tangy fruit compote can cut through the sweetness of the struffoli, adding a refreshing zing to each bite.
• Sparkling Prosecco: Raise your glass with bubbly Prosecco, as its effervescence complements the festive spirit of your struffoli feast.
• Vanilla Gelato: Serve warm struffoli alongside a scoop of velvety vanilla gelato to create a delicious temperature contrast that guests will love.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy ricotta or tangy goat cheese, can provide savory balance against the sweet struffoli.
• Candied Citrus Slices: Add a touch of color and a citrusy bite with candied oranges or lemons, which harmonize beautifully with the honey coating.

These pairings not only enhance the flavors of struffoli but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Struffoli

Room Temperature: Keep struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispy texture.

Fridge: For prolonged freshness, you can refrigerate struffoli in a sealed container for up to a week, but they may lose some crispness.

Freezer: If you need to store them for an extended period, place cooled struffoli in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To restore some crispiness, reheat struffoli in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 5-7 minutes, then drizzle with honey before serving.

Make Ahead Options

Struffoli can be a real time-saver for busy home cooks during the holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all ingredients, knead, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Additionally, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you re ready to serve, just fry the frozen pieces directly from the freezer without thawing, ensuring a crispy texture. For the best results, gently warm the honey right before coating. This way, you ll enjoy that delightful struffoli experience just as if they were freshly made!

Expert Tips for Struffoli

Right Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is heated to 350 °F for frying; if it s too hot, the struffoli may burn, and if too cold, they can become greasy.

Batch Frying: Don t overcrowd the frying pan when cooking; it s better to fry in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

Honey Consistency: Warm the honey just enough to make it liquid; this ensures it coats the struffoli evenly without clumping.

Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place struffoli on paper towels to remove excess oil before coating in honey, which helps them achieve that delightful crispiness.

Decorate Creatively: Use your favorite toppings like colored sprinkles or chopped nuts to add a personal touch to your struffoli, making them a festive centerpiece for your holiday table.

Struffoli Recipe FAQs

What s the best way to select ripe ingredients for making struffoli?
Absolutely! For struffoli, ensure your eggs are fresh look for a glossy shell and check the sell-by date. The lemons should be firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Using fragrant, zesty lemons will enhance the flavor significantly. For flour, choose a high-quality all-purpose kind for the best texture.

How long can you store struffoli, and what s the best way to keep them fresh?
Struffoli can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, they can last about a week but may lose some of their delightful crispiness. To maintain their texture, place a piece of paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and keep them dry.

Can struffoli be frozen, and what s the best way to do it?
Yes, you can freeze struffoli! Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag, sealing it well to avoid freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy them again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 5-7 minutes, then drizzle with honey to refresh their flavor.

What should I do if my struffoli turn out greasy?
If your struffoli are greasy, it likely means the oil wasn t hot enough during frying. Ensure your frying oil reaches 350 °F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy). Additionally, after frying, draining them on paper towels helps soak up excess oil. For the next batch, remember to fry in smaller amounts to maintain proper oil temperature.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when making struffoli?
Yes, definitely consider potential allergies! Struffoli contain eggs and wheat, which may not be suitable for those with gluten or egg allergies. For gluten-free struffoli, substitute the plain flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend. Also, if you re using liqueurs, ensure everyone consuming them is aware, as you can easily omit it for a non-alcoholic treat.

What are some alternatives if I can t find certain ingredients for struffoli?
If you re missing limoncello, you can substitute it with any citrus-flavored liqueur or simply use a splash of lemon juice for flavor without alcohol. For a twist, use orange zest instead of lemon zest. In place of honey, you could drizzle with maple syrup for a unique taste, or experiment with agave syrup as a vegan alternative!