Are you ready for another family heirloom recipe? My family’s Italian Cut Cookies are the number 1 recipe of all time on the blog and these Strufoli are another cherished tradition from my paternal grandfather’s side. They’ve been a staple on every Christmas Eve table since my childhood, passed down through generations.
What are Strufoli?
If you’re unfamiliar, Strufoli are delightful little fried dough balls soaked in honey. Traditionally, my family forms them into a wreath shape and decorates them with festive Christmas nonpareils.
A Healthier Twist:
While deep-frying is the classic method, I decided to experiment with the air fryer this year. The result? Deliciously crispy Strufoli with significantly less fat and calories. The air fryer preserves the incredible flavor and sweetness, making it a healthier and equally delicious option.
Easy to Make:
This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Milk
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Table salt
- Honey
- Christmas nonpareils
No stand mixer or hand mixer needed!
Instructions:
- Make the dough: Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Shape and Cut: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape into 6-inch logs. Cut each log into 1/4-inch slices.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F for approximately seven minutes per batch.
- Honey Glaze: Warm honey until bubbly. Combine honey with cooked Strufoli
- Assemble the Wreath: Grease a small juice glass and place it in the center of a platter. Arrange the Strufoli around the glass to shape the wreath. Sprinkle with nonpareils, remove the glass. Drizzle with additional honey, if desired
Tips:
Storage: Strufoli will keep for about a week when stored in foil to maintain their crispiness.
Deep Frying Option: The recipe also includes instructions for deep-frying if you prefer that method.
Embrace the Tradition:
These Strufoli are a cherished part of my family’s holiday tradition and I hope you consider adding them to yours. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the warm memories they create!
More Italian Cookies:
Italian Cut Cookies: here
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon multicolored nonpareils
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to make a smooth, soft, pliable dough.
- Roll by tablespoons into 6-inch long ropes; cut each rope into 1/4 inch pieces.
- If Frying: add oil to a 12 inch skillet and heat the oil to 375°F. Add half the dough pieces; stirring carefully but constantly until the pieces are puffed and golden. Using a slotted skimmer or spoon, remove fried dough balls to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining balls, being sure the oil remains at 375°.
- If Air Frying: preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with avocado cooking spray or one basket with parchment and spray parchment. Spray top of dough balls. Working in batches, fry the dough balls until they puff and are golden brown, shaking the basket several times during cooking. Mine took approximately seven minutes total. I recommend watching them because the size of the dough balls and your air fryer may change cooking time.
- Meanwhile, heat the honey in a 3 quart sauce pan over medium heat until the honey boils (or microwave in a large, microwave safe bowl. Remove from the heat and stir all of the dough balls into the honey until they are thoroughly coated.
- If forming into a wreath shape, grease a small juice glass (4 oz size) and place on the center of serving platter. Spoon strufoli onto the serving platter around the juice glass. Add more honey if you like. Sprinkle with nonpareils.
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon (14g) egg, beaten
1/2 tablespoon (7g) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for deep frying
3 tbs (52g) honey
3/4 teaspoon multicolored nonpareils
- Follow instructions above.
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