Whip up a batch of crispy, cinnamon-dusted elephant ears for a delightful treat. Perfect for fairs or a cozy snack at home.
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
Instructions
Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
Pro tip: Ensure the milk is lukewarm to help the dough come together smoothly.
Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Pro tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Divide and roll
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
Pro tip: Roll the dough as thin as possible for a crispier texture.
Heat the oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 180°C (350°F).
Pro tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
Fry the elephant ears
Fry one piece of dough at a time for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Pro tip: Fry until the dough puffs up and turns golden for the perfect texture.
Coat with cinnamon sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Immediately coat each fried elephant ear with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Pro tip: Coat the elephant ears while they're still warm for the best adherence of the sugar.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a heavy skillet for even frying.
- Roll dough thinly for extra crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are elephant ears?
Elephant ears are a popular fried dough treat, typically dusted with cinnamon sugar and enjoyed at fairs and carnivals.
How many calories are in an elephant ear?
One serving of elephant ears contains approximately 280 calories.
Can you make elephant ears ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Fry them fresh for the best taste.
How long do elephant ears stay fresh?
Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
What is the best oil for frying elephant ears?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying elephant ears due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
280
Calories
4g
Protein
15g
Fat
34g
Carbs
You Might Also Like
More Dessert Recipes
Crispy Banana Tempura Delight
Enjoy a sweet and crispy banana tempura with this easy recipe. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Cracker Cookie Brittle Delight
This cracker cookie brittle is a crunchy, sweet treat that's perfect for snacking or gifting.
Crispy Basket Burritos Baked Tortilla Bowls
Elevate your burrito game with these crispy, oven-baked tortilla bowls filled with spicy beef and fresh toppings.
Classic Almond Brittle Recipe
A crunchy and sweet almond brittle perfect for snacking or gifting. Discover the recipe for a delightful treat that's simple to make.
Raspberry Date Squares
These Raspberry Date Squares combine the sweetness of dates with the tartness of raspberries for a delightful treat.
Chocolate Covered Blueberries
A delightful treat combining the sweetness of chocolate with the tartness of fresh blueberries.
Kitchen & BBQ gear
What we use for recipes like this
Pots & Pans · Steamer Inserts
Vegetable Steamer Basket, Foldable Stainless Steel Steamer Basket Insert for Veggie Seafood Cooking, Expandable to Fit Various Size Pot (6" to 10" Medium)
BBQ & Outdoor Cooking · Marinade Injectors
Ofargo Meat Injector, Meat Injectors for Smoking with 3 Marinade Food Injector Syringe Needles, Injector Marinades for Meats, Turkey, Brisket; Mother Day Gifts for Mom, 2-oz Capacity
$25.59
Pit Boss Grills
Cherry Blend Hardwood Pellets
$12.99
Affiliate links. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed at least every 24 hours.