Description
These Italian Honey Cookies, inspired by traditional struffoli, are delicate, bite-sized fried dough balls coated in warm honey and dusted with powdered sugar and lemon zest for a festive, sweet treat. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a crunchy yet tender dessert with a rich honey flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating and Garnish
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base of the dough.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.
- Mix in Liquids: Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract, blending until combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms that is manageable to knead.
- Knead and Shape: Lightly flour a work surface, turn out the dough and knead gently to incorporate. Roll the dough into small ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces, or alternatively shape pieces into small balls by hand.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it is hot enough to fry properly without absorbing excessive oil.
- Fry Cookies: Carefully fry the dough pieces in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color, ensuring even cooking and crispness.
- Drain Fried Cookies: Remove the fried cookies with a slotted spoon and place them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Warm Honey: Gently warm the honey in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes thin and easy to coat the cookies.
- Coat Cookies in Honey: Toss the warm fried cookies in the honey until they are evenly and thoroughly coated, achieving the signature sticky glaze.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated cookies to a serving dish. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle lemon zest on top if desired for an extra burst of flavor and decoration.
Notes
- For a festive look, add colorful sprinkles on top after coating with honey and before the powdered sugar.
- For a lighter variation, bake the shaped dough pieces at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes instead of frying; however, note that the texture will be different, less crispy and less traditional.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to avoid greasy cookies.
