16+ Italian Christmas Struffoli Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Apr 9, 2024
When it comes to Christmas in Italy, there is one dessert that is a must-have on every table - struffoli. This sweet and crunchy treat is a staple in Italian households during the festive season and is loved by all. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian Christmas struffoli recipe, its history, and how you can make it at home to add a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday feast. So, let's get started and discover the delicious world of struffoli.
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
Cannoli are a classic Italian dessert that are often enjoyed during the holiday season. These delicious treats consist of fried pastry shells filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling. While the traditional cannoli is already an irresistible treat, why not take it up a notch and add a festive twist with some Christmas flavors?
To make a Christmas-themed cannoli, simply add some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the ricotta filling. You can also add some dried cranberries or candied orange peel for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these festive cannoli at your holiday party and watch them disappear in no time!
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Italian Christmas Bread with Eggnog Glaze
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Eggnog, White Sugar, Salt, Butter, Egg, Egg
If you're looking for a show-stopping bread to serve at your Christmas dinner, look no further than this Italian Christmas bread with eggnog glaze. This bread is loaded with festive flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggnog and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
The bread is made with a sweet dough that is studded with raisins and candied orange peel, giving it a beautiful speckled appearance. Once baked, it's topped with a delicious eggnog glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and complements the flavors in the bread perfectly.
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Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
Struffoli di Natale, also known as honey balls, are a popular Italian Christmas dessert. These bite-sized treats are made by frying small balls of dough and then coating them in a honey and citrus syrup. They are traditionally served in a mound and decorated with candied cherries and colored sprinkles.
While these little honey balls are delicious on their own, you can also get creative and add some festive touches. Try adding some chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for some added crunch and flavor. You can also add some Christmas spices like cloves or allspice to the syrup for a warm and cozy twist on the traditional recipe.
Panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas bread that is enjoyed all over the world during the holiday season. This sweet bread is studded with candied fruit and raisins and has a light and fluffy texture, making it perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
While store-bought panettone is readily available, nothing beats the taste of a homemade version. This easy recipe calls for simple ingredients and produces a deliciously soft and flavorful bread. Serve it sliced with a spread of butter or honey for a cozy and festive treat.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This rich and buttery cake is made with yeast, giving it a light and airy texture, and is often dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow on a Christmas tree.
To add a festive touch, you can decorate your pandoro with some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for some added texture and flavor. You can also serve it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
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Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Almond Extract, Baking Soda
Ricotta cookies are a staple at Italian Christmas celebrations. These soft and cake-like cookies are made with ricotta cheese and are flavored with lemon and vanilla. They are topped with a sweet glaze and are often decorated with festive sprinkles.
While these cookies are delicious as is, you can also mix it up and add some crushed candy canes or dried cranberries to the dough for a holiday twist. You can also use different flavored extracts like almond or orange for a unique flavor profile.
Another variation of the classic ricotta cookies, these Italian ricotta Christmas cookies are made with a rich and buttery dough and are filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread. They are then rolled in crushed hazelnuts and cinnamon sugar for a delicious and festive treat.
These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or as a homemade gift for friends and family. They are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!
Italian Christmas cookies come in many different shapes and flavors, but one thing they all have in common is their deliciousness. From simple butter cookies to more elaborate treats like struffoli and panettone, there is no shortage of options when it comes to Italian Christmas cookies.
Try your hand at making a variety of Italian Christmas cookies to serve at your holiday gatherings. Your guests will love the assortment of flavors and textures, and you'll have fun experimenting in the kitchen.
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Italian Christmas strudel
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Marsala, Raisins, Walnuts, Almonds, Lemon
Strudel is a popular dessert in many European countries, and Italy is no exception. Italian Christmas strudel is a delicious twist on the classic dessert, filled with festive flavors like cranberries, almonds, and cinnamon.
This strudel is made with layers of flaky pastry dough and a sweet and tangy filling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy and comforting dessert that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Christmas Italian Spice Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Polenta, Blanched Almonds, Cocoa
This Christmas Italian spice cake is a must-try for any holiday gathering. Loaded with warm and cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, this cake is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
The cake is also topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting that complements the spices perfectly. Decorate it with some candied orange peel or pomegranate seeds for a festive and colorful touch.
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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange
Cucciddati, also known as Italian fig cookies, are a traditional treat enjoyed during the Christmas season. These cookies are made with a dough that is filled with a sweet and nutty fig mixture and then shaped into a log and baked until golden brown.
To make these cookies even more festive, you can add some chopped dried apricots or cranberries to the fig filling for a burst of color and flavor. Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious snack or dessert.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
In Italy, it is traditional to serve fried foods on Christmas Eve, and these Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts are the perfect treat for the occasion. These doughnuts, also known as zeppole, are made with a simple dough and then fried until crispy and golden.
Once fried, the doughnuts are dusted with powdered sugar and served warm. You can also add a festive twist by filling them with a chocolate hazelnut spread or jam for a delicious surprise inside.
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Spiced Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
These spiced Italian Christmas fig cookies are another variation of the classic cucciddati. These cookies are made with a spiced dough that is filled with a fig and nut mixture and then shaped into a ball and baked until golden brown.
For a festive touch, you can add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the filling for some added crunch and flavor. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine on a cold winter evening.
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Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Large
Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas bread that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This bread is made with a rich dough that is studded with candied fruit and raisins and is then baked until golden and fluffy.
Traditionally, panettone is served sliced with a spread of butter or jam for breakfast or as a dessert. You can also get creative and use it to make a decadent french toast for a festive and indulgent breakfast.
This panettone Italian Christmas sweet bread is a must-try for any holiday gathering. This bread is made with a rich dough that is flavored with orange zest and almond extract, giving it a deliciously sweet and citrusy flavor.
The bread is also studded with chocolate chips and almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve it sliced with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and festive treat.
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Italian Panettone Bread (Christmas Fruit Cake)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, White Sugar, Eggs
This Italian panettone bread is a delicious twist on the classic fruitcake. The bread is made with a rich and buttery dough and is studded with candied fruit, raisins, and chocolate chips.
The bread is then drizzled with a rum glaze and decorated with some candied cherries and orange slices for a festive touch. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as a snack with some hot cocoa or mulled wine.
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Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Main Ingredients: Fennel, Celery, Endive, Oranges, Olives, Capers
While desserts often take center stage during the holiday season, it's important to balance them out with some healthy and delicious dishes. This Italian Christmas salad, also known as insalata di Natale, is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal.
The salad is made with a mix of fresh greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, and pistachios, and is tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. The colors and flavors in this salad make it a beautiful and tasty addition to any Christmas table.
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Christmas Polenta Party, an Italian Tradition
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Sea Salt, Polenta
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that is often enjoyed on special occasions, including Christmas. This creamy and comforting dish is made with cornmeal and is typically served with a hearty meat sauce or sausage.
For a Christmas twist, try topping your polenta with some roasted vegetables and cranberry relish for a festive and vegetarian option. You can also add some fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for added flavor.
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Christmas Panettone – Traditional Italian Fruit Bread...
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt
This Christmas panettone is a delicious and traditional Italian fruit bread that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a rich dough and studded with candied fruit and raisins, this bread is a sweet and indulgent treat.
While panettone is often enjoyed as is, you can also use it to make a festive bread pudding or trifle. Simply tear the bread into pieces and layer it with some whipped cream and fresh berries for a delicious and impressive dessert.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
Hot chocolate is a beloved drink during the holiday season, and this European-style hot chocolate is a decadent and indulgent twist on the classic drink. Made with real chocolate and heavy cream, this hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
For an Italian touch, add a splash of amaretto liqueur to your hot chocolate for a warm and cozy drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.
The History of Struffoli
Struffoli has been a part of Italian Christmas celebrations for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 8th century. It is said that the recipe was created by the nuns of the monastery of Santa Maria in Constantinople, who were known for their amazing cooking skills. When the nuns moved to Naples, they brought this recipe with them, and it soon became a popular dessert during Christmas and other special occasions.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The word struffoli comes from the Greek word "strongulos," meaning round-shaped. This is because the dough is rolled into small balls before being fried and coated in honey. The name perfectly describes the appearance of this dessert - a mountain of tiny, golden balls, glistening with sweet honey.
The Significance of Struffoli in Italian Culture
In Italy, struffoli is more than just a delicious dessert. It is a symbol of family, love, and tradition. Making struffoli during the Christmas season is a way for families to come together and create memories while preparing this special treat. It is also a way to honor the past generations and keep their traditions alive.
How to Make Struffoli at Home
Now that you know the history and significance of struffoli, it's time to try your hand at making it at home. The recipe may seem daunting, but with a little patience and some practice, you can create the perfect batch of Italian Christmas struffoli. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Ingredients:
3 cups of all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of butter
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of lemon zest
Vegetable oil for frying
Colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until a soft dough forms.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into thin logs and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Carefully add the dough pieces to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown.
Remove the fried dough balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
In a separate saucepan, heat the honey and butter until they melt together.
Add the fried dough balls to the honey mixture and stir until they are fully coated.
Transfer the struffoli to a serving dish and shape them into a Christmas tree or wreath.
Sprinkle with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
Let the struffoli cool and harden before serving.
Buon Appetito!
Now that you have learned about the traditional Italian Christmas struffoli recipe and how to make it at home, it's time to impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert. So, gather your loved ones and have fun creating this sweet and crunchy treat together. Remember, it's not just about the taste, but also about the memories and traditions that come with it. Buon Natale!
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