Crispy Golden Fried Dough (Printable)

Warm, crispy golden dough dusted with sugar or honey. A quick, nostalgic snack for any time.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup whole milk

→ For Frying

07 - 2 cups vegetable oil

→ Toppings

08 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar
09 - Honey, for drizzling (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly blended.
02 - Cut the softened butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Slowly add whole milk, mixing continuously until a soft, cohesive dough is formed.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for one minute until smooth.
05 - Divide the dough into eight equal portions and shape each into a round disc approximately 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Warm the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), monitoring temperature with a thermometer.
07 - Carefully fry each dough piece for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until puffed and golden brown, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
08 - Remove fried pieces and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
09 - While still warm, sprinkle generously with powdered or granulated sugar, or drizzle with honey as preferred. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 30 minutes, which means no waiting for that fried dough craving to fade.
  • The dough is forgiving—it doesn't require fancy technique or a stand mixer, just your hands and a little patience.
  • Warm, crispy, and customizable with whatever topping calls to you in that moment.
02 -
  • Oil temperature is non-negotiable—if it's too low, you'll absorb grease instead of getting that crispy exterior; if it's too high, they brown before the inside cooks through.
  • The dough should be soft but not wet; too much milk and you'll have a mess, too little and you'll get tough, dense pieces that taste like they're fighting back.
03 -
  • A candy or deep-fry thermometer removes the guesswork from oil temperature and saves you from batches of disappointment.
  • If you want extra flavor, stir a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla into the sugar topping, or mix a little lemon zest into powdered sugar for something unexpected.
Go Back