Dessertscoleycooks
Pignolata (Sicilian Honey Balls)
These Italian honey balls known as struffoli or pignolata are a classic southern Italian dessert. Crispy little balls of fried dough are coated in honey, then shaped into festive mounds or wreaths. They're traditionally served around Christmas, Easter and Carnival, but make a delicious, sticky, sweet treat any time of year!
👥 8 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 1h 15m⏳ Prep: 25 min🔥 Cook: 20 min👤 Nicole Gaffney📖 coleycooks
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- bowl
- whisk
- pot
- saucepan
📝 Preparation Steps
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
baking powder1 teaspoon
2
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth.
large eggs3
3
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix until it comes together into a dough.
4
Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly for about ⏱️ 3-5 minutes until a soft, smooth dough forms.
5
Wrap in plastic wrap or cover with a towel and rest for ⏱️ 30 minutes at room temperature.
6
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, then cut it into strips.
7
Roll each strip into long ropes about ½ inch thick and cut into small marble-sized pieces.
8
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
9
Fry in the dough balls in small batches until golden brown, about ⏱️ 1-2 minutes per batch.
10
Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly.
11
Add the honey and sugar to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about ⏱️ 2-3 minutes.
12
Remove from the heat and toss with the warm fried dough balls until evenly coated.
13
Pile them onto a serving platter while still warm or shape them into a festive wreath.
14
Sprinkle generously with rainbow sprinkles, then let cool until the honey becomes tacky and serve!
Nutrition Facts
calories
246 kcal
fat Content
5 g
serving Size
1 serving
fiber Content
1 g
sugar Content
22 g
sodium Content
151 mg
protein Content
5 g
trans Fat Content
0.1 g
cholesterol Content
69 mg
carbohydrate Content
46 g
saturated Fat Content
2 g
unsaturated Fat Content
2 g
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