Elephant Ears Recipe

Elephant ears are delicious, crispy, and sweet fried pastries coated in cinnamon sugar. These fairground favorites are made with a simple dough that’s stretched thin, fried until golden, and generously dusted with sugar. Whether at a carnival or in your own kitchen, elephant ears are a fun and nostalgic treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Fairground Favorite: Brings the taste of the carnival to your home.
• Crispy and Sweet: Golden fried dough with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or family desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk, warm
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough for 1-2 inches in a skillet)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover with a towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Topping:

1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Shape the Elephant Ears:

1. Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten and stretch it into a thin, round shape (about 1/4 inch thick). The dough should resemble a large “ear” shape.

Fry the Dough:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the Dough: Carefully place one piece of dough in the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain and Butter: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Brush with melted butter while still warm.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Add the Coating: Generously sprinkle or dip the warm elephant ear in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Serve:

1. Enjoy Immediately: Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, sweet goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 elephant ears
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the top.
• Powdered Sugar: Swap cinnamon sugar for a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Fruit Toppings: Add fresh berries, whipped cream, or fruit compote.
• Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and top with garlic butter and Parmesan for a savory treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover elephant ears in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it may make them soggy.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled elephant ears individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

How do I prevent the dough from becoming too oily?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C). Frying at too low a temperature will cause the dough to absorb excess oil.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, brush the dough with butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden. However, they won’t be as crispy as the fried version.

What can I serve with elephant ears?

Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner dough will become crispier, while thicker dough will have a chewier texture.

Can I add flavor to the dough?

Yes, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spiced flavor.

How do I make the dough extra crispy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature.

What should I do if my elephant ears are not crispy enough?

Increase the frying time slightly or let the oil reheat to the correct temperature before adding the next piece of dough.

Can I make mini elephant ears?

Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions and follow the same steps for rolling, frying, and coating.

Conclusion

Elephant ears are a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories of carnivals and fairs. This easy homemade version delivers the same deliciously crispy, sweet pastry right in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream, these elephant ears are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, sugary crunch of this classic treat!

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