Easy Elephant Ears Recipe
Introduction
Easy Elephant Ears are a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy crispy, golden fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar in no time.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (enough for stretching)
- Oil (for frying)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Stretch the pizza dough thin, aiming for large, flat pieces.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the stretched dough until it turns golden and crispy on both sides.
- Step 3: Remove the fried dough and immediately sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla sugar to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F for best frying results.
- Try brushing the fried dough with melted butter before sprinkling cinnamon sugar for a richer taste.
Storage
Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, any basic dough that can be stretched thin works well. Just ensure it’s not too thick to fry evenly.
What oil is best for frying elephant ears?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, to get a crispy texture without imparting strong flavors.
PrintEasy Elephant Ears Recipe
Easy Elephant Ears are a delightful, crispy treat made by frying thinly stretched pizza dough and then generously sprinkling it with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. This simple recipe results in a warm, golden pastry perfect for dessert or snack time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 elephant ears 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Elephant Ears Dough
- 1 package pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil), about 2 cups
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and stretch the pizza dough as thinly as possible without tearing. Aim for a large, flat, round or oval shape about 1/8 inch thick to ensure crispy frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry but not smoking.
- Fry the Dough: Carefully place the stretched dough into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the dough gently and evenly.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried dough and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: While the elephant ear is still warm, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface. The warmth helps the sugar stick and create a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Serve Warm: Serve your elephant ears fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Stretching the dough evenly will ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for optimal frying.
- You can adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to taste or try adding powdered sugar for variety.
- Leftover elephant ears can be reheated briefly in an oven to regain crispiness but are best eaten fresh.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure your pizza dough contains no dairy ingredients.
Keywords: elephant ears, fried dough, cinnamon sugar dessert, easy snack, fair food
