Zeppole di Natale

Name: Zeppole di Natale
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated; 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups vegetable oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1 tbsp nonpareil sprinkles

Traditional Neapolitan fried dough knots glazed in warm honey and decorated with festive citrus zest and sprinkles.

35 minMediumServes 6340 cal/serving

ItalianDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions

1

Combine 1 cup water, 2 tbsp cubed unsalted butter, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest, 1 tsp finely grated orange zest, and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing to a boil.
2

Add 2 cups all-purpose flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball.
3

Remove dough from heat, let cool slightly, then shape into small knots or rings.
4

Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F, then fry dough pieces in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
5

Warm 1/2 cup honey in a wide pan, toss fried zeppole to coat, and garnish with 1 tbsp nonpareil sprinkles.

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Questions

What is Zeppole di Natale?

Traditional Neapolitan fried dough knots glazed in warm honey and decorated with festive citrus zest and sprinkles. This reference files it under Italian dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

How hot should the oil be for Zeppole di Natale?

For Zeppole di Natale, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

Can I make Zeppole di Natale dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Zeppole di Natale is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Zeppole di Natale vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and 1/2 cup honey. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

How long does Zeppole di Natale keep?

Fried dough is at its best within the hour. Leftover Zeppole di Natale keeps a day at room temperature, loosely covered; a few minutes in a 350 F oven or an air fryer brings back some of the crispness. The refrigerator only makes it tough.

Serve it with

Bicerin Coffee Chocolate Drink drink
Aperol Grapefruit Spritz drink
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso drink

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