Print

Easy Elephant Ears Recipe

5 from 88 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried dough and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  5. 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.
  6. 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