Elephant Ears Recipe

Introduction

Elephant ears are a delightful fried dough treat, crispy on the outside and soft inside, dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. This simple recipe brings a fun, fair-inspired snack right to your kitchen that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup warm water
• Oil for frying (enough to fill 3 inches of your pot)
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly stir in the warm water until a dough forms, adding water gradually—you may not need all of it.
2. Step 2: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough out slightly and cut it into 6 equal pieces.
4. Step 4: Roll each piece into a circle about ½ inch thick.
5. Step 5: Heat oil in a deep pot to reach about 3 inches deep. Fry the dough circles in batches until golden brown and puffed, then flip to cook the other side.
6. Step 6: Drain the fried dough on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Step 7: Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously on the warm elephant ears.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough.
• You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
• Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady around 350°F for even frying.
• If you like, drizzle melted chocolate or honey over the elephant ears instead of cinnamon sugar.

Storage

Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in a skillet or oven to restore some crispness—avoid microwaving as it 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 and store it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, to ensure a clean, crisp fry without imparting unwanted flavors.