I know there’s nothing quite like the warmth and sweetness of a fresh, homemade treat. Get ready for a fluffy, sweet, and utterly delightful fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall experience, with crispy edges and a tender, airy center.
This fried dough recipe is perfect for busy families, spontaneous cravings, or a fun weekend activity that creates instant smiles. It’s surprisingly easy, uses common pantry staples, and is a time-tested, family-favorite method that guarantees perfect results every time.

Key Ingredients and Flavor Foundations
Good baking starts with quality components. These carefully chosen items lay the groundwork for your perfect fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall, providing structure, fluffiness, and that irresistible flavor. Using premium, organic ingredients can subtly enhance the final texture and taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g). Provides the essential structure for your dough.
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g). The leavening agent that makes your dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy. Ensure it’s fresh!
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) for the dough, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activation. Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Warm Milk: 1 cup (240ml), 105-115°F (40-46°C). Whole milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version) makes the dough tender. I always use full-fat milk for richness.
- Egg: 1 large. Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g), melted. Enhances flavor and tenderness. (Or a neutral oil like canola if you’re out of butter.)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and strengthens the gluten structure.
- Vegetable Oil (or Canola/Peanut Oil): 4-6 cups (about 1 liter) for frying. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Always use fresh oil for the cleanest, best tasting fried dough.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (60g) for the ‘snowfall’ topping.
- Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg for extra warmth in the dough.
Cooking Method Made Simple
Mastering this classic fried dough recipe is straightforward with these clear, timed steps. Making your own sweet treats is an easy dinner idea for dessert, or a fun way to enjoy family dinners together. Just follow along for a delicious outcome.
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (ensure it’s between 105-115°F/40-46°C) with 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy and smells yeasty, indicating it’s active.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the fried dough tough.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place (like a turned-off oven with the light on) for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size and feels springy. If your fried dough isn’t rising, check your yeast expiration date and ensure your milk wasn’t too hot or too cold.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll the dough evenly to about 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness using a rolling pin. I often roll out my dough on a lightly floured silicone mat; it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into approximately 2×3-inch (5×7.5 cm) squares or strips.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat 4-6 cups of neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep 10-inch skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry 2-3 pieces of dough at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until they are puffy, golden brown, and cooked through. The dough will bubble and expand quickly. Use tongs to transfer the golden-brown fried dough to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
For a lighter option, consider an air fryer method. Arrange dough pieces in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be different – less crispy on the outside – but still delicious.
Ideal Serving Moments and Pairings
This fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall is perfect for those cozy moments, creating delightful treats for various occasions.
- Occasions: A quick weeknight dessert, a fun treat for kids’ parties, special weekend breakfasts, or movie night indulgence.
- Pairing Ideas: Dust generously with a powdered sugar snowfall, drizzle with chocolate sauce, berry compote, or maple syrup. Serve alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk.
- Storage Guidelines: Fried dough is best enjoyed fresh. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating Methods: Briefly microwave for softness, or warm in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier texture.
Nutrition, Wellness & Everyday Benefits of Fried Dough
This fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall can be a sweet reward after a long week. It’s a delightful treat in moderation, offering quick energy and comfort.
Naturally vegetarian, this recipe can be adapted for plant-based diets. It’s a budget-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients, perfect for a family-friendly dessert.
Recipe Advantages for Different Needs
Making this treat at home offers several advantages for busy families and those seeking easy dinner ideas.
- Saves Money: Cheaper than store-bought treats, this recipe helps your budget.
- Quick Prep Dessert: Offers a relatively quick dessert solution for spontaneous cravings.
- Memorable Family Moments: Creates opportunities for fun and connection in the kitchen.
- Easy to Make: Surprisingly simple to prepare from scratch, even for novice bakers.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with various toppings to suit individual tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: A fantastic way to involve kids in the cooking process.

Expert Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Adaptations
Elevate your homemade fried dough with these simple tricks and adaptations.
- Texture & Presentation: Dust your powdered sugar snowfall through a fine-mesh sieve for an even, beautiful coating that truly glistens.
- Kid-Approved & Guest-Ready: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Set up a topping bar for guests with different sauces and sprinkles. My kids love helping cut out shapes, making this fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall even more special.
- Substitutions for Diets: This fried dough recipe is naturally nut-free. For a vegan option, ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly and use plant-based milk.
Common Questions About Fried Dough Recipe
Can I make fried dough ahead for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the rising stage and refrigerate it overnight. Bringing it to room temperature before rolling and frying ensures the best texture. This makes it a great option for easy meal prep ideas during busy weeks.
What’s the healthiest way to prepare fried dough?
Enjoying fried dough in moderation fits a balanced lifestyle. Using fresh, good quality oil and draining thoroughly on paper towels helps. For a lower-oil option, an air fryer works, though the texture won’t be exactly like the classic fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall.
Which stores or online shops carry quality ingredients for fried dough recipe?
All basic ingredients for this fried dough recipe, like flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and oil, are readily available. You can find high-quality options at any local grocery store or supermarket. Choosing organic ingredients can sometimes enhance the flavor and align with healthy eating habits.
How do I get my fried dough extra fluffy?
To achieve extra fluffy fried dough, ensure your yeast is active and milk temperature is correct. Avoid overworking the dough, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled. I find letting it rise in a slightly warm, turned-off oven works wonders for this fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall.
Can I use self-rising flour for fried dough?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but you’ll need to adjust or omit the additional yeast. Since self-rising flour already contains leavening, adding more might result in an overly airy or dense texture. For this fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall, I’d suggest reducing the yeast by half and observing the dough’s rise.
How to prevent oily fried dough?
Preventing oily fried dough is all about oil temperature. Maintain the correct range of 350-375°F (175-190°C) using a thermometer. Oil that’s too cool results in greasy dough; too hot, and it browns too quickly without cooking through. Drain thoroughly on paper towels after frying.
Conclusion
This fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall is truly your ticket to a warm, sweet, and unforgettable treat that brings joy to any occasion, making it perfect for quick meals or family dinners. Bookmark this fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall for your next sweet craving, or share it with a friend who loves classic homemade desserts!
Print
fried dough recipe Powdered Sugar Snowfall
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready for a fluffy, sweet, and utterly delightful fried dough recipe, with crispy edges and a tender, airy center. This recipe is perfect for busy families, uses common pantry staples, and guarantees perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar, for dough
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, for yeast activation
- 1 cup warm milk, 105-115F (40-46C)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil like canola)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4–6 cups vegetable oil, for frying (or canola/peanut oil)
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar, for topping
- A pinch ground nutmeg, optional
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (ensure it’s between 105-115F (40-46C)) with 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy and smells yeasty, indicating it’s active.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: Add the remaining 0.25 cup sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the fried dough tough.
- Allow First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place (like a turned-off oven with the light on) for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size and feels springy.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll the dough evenly to about 0.5-inch (1.25 cm) thickness using a rolling pin. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into approximately 2×3-inch (5×7.5 cm) squares or strips.
- Fry Dough Pieces: Heat 4-6 cups of neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep 10-inch skillet to 350-375F (175-190C). Fry 2-3 pieces of dough at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until they are puffy, golden brown, and cooked through. Use tongs to transfer the golden-brown fried dough to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
If your dough isn’t rising, check yeast expiration date and ensure milk temperature was correct. Always use fresh oil for the cleanest, best tasting fried dough. For a lighter option, air fry at 350F (175C) for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway; texture will be different. Using premium, organic ingredients can enhance texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: fried dough, powdered sugar, easy dessert, family favorite, quick treat, homemade, yeast dough, fried pastry, sweet
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