Elephant Ears Cinnamon Sugar (Printable)

Thin, crispy fried dough coated with cinnamon sugar for a golden, sweet finish.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

→ For Frying

07 - 3 cups vegetable oil

→ Topping

08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if sticky, until dough is soft and smooth.
03 - Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish; set aside.
05 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then stretch or roll into a thin 8-inch oval.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
07 - Fry one or two dough ovals at a time, turning once, until golden brown and puffed, approximately 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
08 - Optional: Brush with melted butter, then immediately dredge both sides in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy outside with a tender, airy interior—that textural contrast is truly irresistible.
  • The cinnamon sugar coating is more than just topping; it's the entire reason these taste like celebration.
  • They come together in under an hour if you're willing to multitask, making them perfect for unexpected guests or spontaneous cravings.
02 -
  • The dough must rise fully or the ears will be dense instead of airy; patience here is not optional, it's essential.
  • Stretching the dough thin is what makes them crispy on the outside rather than bready—this step is where the magic lives.
  • Coating them immediately after frying while they're still hot ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks and creates a proper crust.
03 -
  • A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds a subtle warmth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
  • Serving these with warm chocolate sauce, jam, or honey for dipping elevates them from snack to dessert moment.
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