Jeff Misenti
Difficulty Level: easy
If you’re looking for a healthy dessert, you’re in the wrong place. This sweet fried dough recipe is crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and not for those suffering from diabetes or high cholesterol.
Some desserts require a mixer, patience, good timing, and others just need a bowl and hot oil. This is the latter, and is mouth-wateringly sumptuous.
When cooking, watching the temperature is the only aspect you’ll need to pay attention to. It can really make-or-break the final fried dough. Too hot and it browns before it cooks through, too cool and it drinks oil and becomes impossible to eat.
Once cooked to golden perfection, a quick dusting of powdered sugar is all you need, but feel free to customize with toppings like chocolate sauce, cream, and even berries.
This quick homemade fried dough is perfect for comfort-food cravings. Check out the ingredients and cooking steps below.
Sweet Fried Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, for dusting
Sweet Fried Dough Instructions
- Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a microwave of pan, melt butter and let it cool until liquid, but only warm.
- In a second bowl, stir milk, melted butter, and vanilla together. It’s important to let the butter cool to avoid it scrambling when combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry a little at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, add a sprinkle of more flour.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured counter.
- Knead gently for about 1 minute, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Add 2 inches of oil to a deep pan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide dough into golf-ball size portions and flatten each one slightly with your hands.
- Fry a few pieces at a time, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Keep the heat steady while the dough is added. This helps the dough cook through without getting greasy.
- As each batch turns golden brown, remove and let them sit on paper towels while you finish the rest.
- Once cooked, let them cool a little and then dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve them warm.