Elephant Ears Recipe

Introduction

Elephant ears are a delightful treat of crispy, golden fried dough generously coated with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these warm pastries are simple to make and wonderful for sharing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup warm water (or as needed)
• Neutral oil for frying
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need less than a full cup of water.
2. Step 2: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Step 4: Heat about 3 inches of neutral oil in a deep pot to 390°F (200°C). Carefully fry each dough circle for about 1 minute on each side until they turn golden brown.
5. Step 5: Remove the fried dough with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While each piece is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the top.
7. Step 7: Serve the elephant ears warm and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flaky elephant ears, roll the dough out slightly thinner before frying.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist.
• Use vegetable oil or canola oil as a neutral frying oil for best results.
• If you prefer a sweeter coating, increase the sugar amount or drizzle melted honey on top after frying.

Storage

Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to store them, place cooled pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness. Avoid storing in the refrigerator as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying for best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a deep-fry thermometer?

Heat the oil over medium-high heat and test by dropping a small piece of dough in. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. Adjust the heat to maintain frying temperature.

Elephant Ears Recipe

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4.9 from 138 reviews

Elephant Ears are a classic, crispy fried dough treat coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. This easy-to-make recipe yields golden-brown, flaky circles of dough fried to perfection, perfect for a delightful dessert or snack served warm.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 elephant ears 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup warm water, or as needed

For Frying

• Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil), enough for deep frying (about 3 inches deep)

Topping

• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Mix dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add warm water, stirring continuously, and add only as much as needed to form a soft dough, which may be less than a full cup of water.
2. Rest dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and make rolling easier.
3. Roll dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, then turn out the dough. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/2-inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform frying.
4. Heat oil: Pour about 3 inches of neutral oil into a deep pot and heat to 390°F (199°C), using a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature for optimal frying.
5. Fry dough: Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown and crispy, turning once with tongs for even cooking.
6. Drain excess oil: Remove fried dough from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, keeping the elephant ears crisp yet light.
7. Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon. While the fried dough is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over each piece for maximum adhesion and flavor.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy the elephant ears warm for the best texture and taste, making an irresistible sweet treat.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent at 390°F to achieve a crisp crust without absorbing excess oil.
• Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender and flaky.
• Adjust the cinnamon sugar quantity to your desired level of sweetness.
• Serve fresh as elephant ears tend to lose crispness if stored and reheated.
• If preferred, you can also dust the cooled ears with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.

Keywords: Elephant Ears, Fried Dough, Cinnamon Sugar, Sweet Snack, Dessert, Fried Pastry