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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/elephant-ears-recipe/