Indulge in the delectable world of Italian honey cookies, a traditional treat that combines crispy exteriors with soft and chewy interiors. These golden-brown cookies, also known as Castagnole, boast a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. Typically prepared during festive occasions like Christmas and Carnival, they hold a special place in Italian culinary heritage. This comprehensive guide presents a collection of deep-fried Italian honey cookie recipes, each offering unique variations on this classic dessert. From traditional Castagnole to creative fillings such as custard, chocolate, and ricotta, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Embark on a delightful journey through the flavors of Italy with these delectable honey cookies, sure to leave you and your loved ones with lasting memories.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
FRAPPE OR CIOFFE: BOWS AND RIBBONS OF FRIED SWEETENED DOUGH
A very traditional Italian treat known by lots of different names in Italy. Typically made for Carnevale and Christmas.
Provided by Christina Conte
Categories Bread, Cookies & Pastries
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Using a stand mixer, place eggs, sugar, salt, and whisky in a large bowl and mix for two minutes or so (if making by hand, combine the ingredients, and stir well with a wooden spoon.)
- Add one cup (in UK, just use a regular cup-no need to measure) of flour and mix well.
- Add the remaining flour and mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- With hands, shape dough into a ball and refrigerate, covered, for about an hour.
- Remove from fridge and cut dough in half and roll out one piece very thinly, on floured workspace.
- Dough will be elastic, but re-roll it if it gets too thick. Using a knife or cutter to cut into strips. Use a pasta rolling machine if you have one.
- Cut a strip: no size is right or wrong, but about 6 or 7 inches is a good size. Make a little cut towards one end. Now place the opposite end through that slit, and pull through to make a ribbon shape. Repeat, until all of dough is used.
- Meanwhile, heat some oil in a pot or deep fryer (I use a wok) until hot. Before dropping the pastry in the oil, pull and stretch each one, so that it is thinner (as they shrink after being shaped) then begin frying the pastries until puffed and light brown on each side.
- Remove with strainer and place on a paper towel lined plate to cool.
- When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar (or decorate with icing, or honey.)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 104 calories, Carbohydrate 13 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 1.5 grams fat, Fiber 0 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, ServingSize 2, Sodium 0 grams sodium, Sugar 0 grams sugar
ITALIAN HONEY CLUSTERS
My mother made these treats flavored with cinnamon and anise for neighbors, teachers and anyone who stopped by. Make sure the honey doesn't boil longer than a minute or it could burn.-Sarah Knoblock, Hyde Park, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 50m
Yield about 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Line 24 muffin cups with paper or foil liners. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, aniseseed and salt. Stir in eggs and milk. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Shape into a disk; wrap and let stand 1 hour., Divide dough into 6 portions. Roll each portion into 1/2-in.-thick ropes; cut crosswise into 1/2-in. pieces. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 350°. Fry pieces, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place dough pieces in a large heatproof bowl and keep warm in a 200° oven., In a large heavy saucepan, combine honey and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil 1 minute. Immediately remove from heat and drizzle over dough pieces. Stir to coat. Immediately spoon into prepared cups. Sprinkle with pine nuts and, if desired, nonpareils.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 27mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
STRUFFOLI O CICERCHIATA (ITALIAN HONEY DOUGH BALLS)
This traditional Italian sweet has different names in different regions: Struffoli in Naples area, which are among the most popular Christmas sweets; Cicerchiata in Abruzzi region, where you cannot miss them during Carnival time. The concept is simple: fried sweet dough balls, coated in caramelized honey. Tasty and long lasting, as you can make them at the beginning of the holiday season and offer them to friends and relatives coming over for holiday wishes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Garnish with candied orange or lemon peel if desired.
Provided by lacucinadinadia
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 57m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, rum extract, and salt together in a large bowl to create a soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into a thin log the width of your pinky finger, about 1/4 inch. Cut log into small pieces; roll into balls. Dust with flour to prevent from sticking.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Place a few balls of dough in a sieve to shake off excess flour. Cook in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining balls of dough.
- Pour honey into a saucepan over low heat. Cook until a small amount of honey dropped into cold water forms a soft ball. Add fried balls of dough to the hot honey; stir gently with a wooden spoon until coated.
- Rinse a serving plate and shake off the water. Pile dough balls onto the serving plate in the shape of a dome or ring using damp hands or a damp wooden spoon. Garnish with sugar sprinkles. Let cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 635.7 calories, Carbohydrate 110.8 g, Cholesterol 111.7 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 9.3 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 94 mg, Sugar 65.4 g
25 ITALIAN COOKIES LIKE GRANDMA MADE
These Italian cookie recipes have been passed down for generations! From sprinkle cookies to biscotti to pizzelles and ricotta cookies, you won't be able to resist these sweets.
Provided by insanelygood
Categories Cookies Recipe Roundup
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep some Italian cookies in 30 minutes or less!
Nutrition Facts :
ITALIAN SFRAPPOLE FRIED COOKIES
Make and share this Italian Sfrappole Fried Cookies recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Olha7397
Categories Dessert
Time 19m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the flour on a wooden board and make a well in the center.
- Break the eggs into the well and beat lightly with a fork.
- Add the butter, sugar, rum and wine and mix thoroughly with the eggs.
- Using your hands, gradually incorporate the flour, starting from the inside of the well.
- Work the dough into a ball.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips 3/4 inch wide and 6 or 7 inches long.
- Tie the strips in knots or pin in bows.
- Pour oil into a large saucepan or deep fryer until 2 inches deep.
- Heat the oil to 375°F.
- Using a slotted spoon, lower the bows a few at a time into the hot oil.
- Turn the bows while cooking.
- When golden brown on both sides, remove and drain on paper towels.
- Arrange the bows on a platter and dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with some honey.
- Vogue Entertaining.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.7, Fat 14.6, SaturatedFat 8.2, Cholesterol 136.2, Sodium 118.4, Carbohydrate 73.1, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 25.4, Protein 9.7
Tips:
- Use a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil to fry the cookies.
- Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the cookies.
- Fry the cookies in small batches so that they don't stick together.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cookies from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar.
- Serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Deep fried Italian honey cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a snack or dessert that is sure to please everyone.
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