Italian Struffoli + Video

Step 1

To the bowl of a food processor, add eggs; pulse until frothy. Add orange zest, vanilla, sugar, and melted butter, and process until combined and foamy.

Step 2

Add flour and baking powder to the mixture and pulse just until combined. The dough will be very sticky.

Step 3

Wrap dough in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Step 4

When dough is chilled, transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into four even sections. Roll each section into a long rope, about the same thickness as your finger.

Step 5

Cut each rope of dough into sections ½ to 1-inch wide.

Step 6

Roll each section into a ball - the balls should be no larger than the size of a marble. Sprinkle the balls of dough with flour to prevent them from sticking to each other while rolling the remaining dough.

Step 7

Add 3 to 4 inches of cooking oil to a heavy bottomed pot set over medium-high heat. Allow oil to reach a frying temperature of 350°F. (Use an instant-read candy thermometer to determine the oil temperature).

Step 8

Fry dough balls in batches of 10 or so. Roll balls in the oil so they brown evenly on all sides. They will turn golden brown quite quickly.

Step 9

Using a slotted spoon, lift them out of the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 10

To make the honey glaze, add honey, orange juice, and ½ cup granulated sugar to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. Cook, continuously stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Add the fried dough balls into the large saucepan and toss to fully coat with honey glaze.

Step 12

Spray a tall cylindrical drinking glass with non-stick cooking spray and set it in the center of a round plate (you can also use a springform pan as the sides help hold everything in while the struffoli sets.

Step 13

Mound the glazed struffoli balls to form a wreath around the glass. Sprinkle liberally with rainbow nonpareils.

Step 14

Allow the struffoli to set for 2-3 hours. Before serving, remove the glass from the center of the wreath.