Italian Honey Dough Balls

Combine the ingredients of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, rum extract, and salt in a large mixing container to form a smooth mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; allow it to rest for 30 minutes.

Shape the dough into a thin, cylindrical shape, roughly the width of your pinky finger, approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. Divide the dough into small pieces and form them into balls. Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Heat oil in a deep-frying device or large cooking vessel. Place a few balls of dough into a strainer to shake off any excess flour. Fry the dough in hot oil until it turns golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Transfer the fried dough balls to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.

Prepare a saucepan by heating honey over low heat. Cook until a small amount of honey, when dropped into cold water, forms a soft ball. Add the fried dough balls to the hot honey; gently stir them with a wooden spoon until they are evenly coated.

Prepare a serving plate by rinsing it and shaking off any excess water. Pile the dough balls onto the serving plate in a dome or ring shape using your hands or a damp wooden spoon. Decorate with sugar sprinkles before letting the dough cool completely.