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

Scale

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