Light, fluffy fried dough pillows, dusted with a generous coating of sugar. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Frying and Coating:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the foamy yeast mixture.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Continue adding flour as needed until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead the dough for 5 to 8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release any air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes (squares, rectangles, circles) using a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutters.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough pieces on a lightly floured baking sheet.
- Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Fry the Dough:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the fried dough with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar:
- While the fried dough is still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar.
- Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy your warm, sugar-coated fried dough!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can use milk powder in the dry ingredient mix.
- You can use other coatings, such as cinnamon sugar, granulated sugar, or a glaze.
- For a more donut hole style treat, cut the dough into small 1 inch balls before the second rise.
- Make sure to regulate the oil temperature, if the oil is too hot the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, a heavy bottomed pot works well.
Enjoy!