Fried Dough Elephant Ears Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown elephant ears – the perfect sweet treat! These fried dough delights are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you call them elephant ears, or another fun name, this recipe delivers a classic carnival taste. Top with your favorite sweet treats, from cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar to berries, honey, and chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless! Get ready to wow your family with this irresistible fried dough recipe.

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 165 mins
Calories 297.3 kcal
Protein 15g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Fried Dough Elephant Ears 42

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Fried Dough Elephant Ears

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How to Make Fried Dough Elephant Ears

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting), and 1/4 cup vegetable oil to the yeast mixture.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into desired shapes (elephant ears, squares, etc.).
  7. Cover and let the cut dough rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with about 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 360°F (182°C).
  9. Carefully add 2-3 elephant ears to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
  10. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to burn!
  11. Remove the elephant ears from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  12. While still warm, brush with melted butter and generously sprinkle with your choice of toppings: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, lemon juice, mini chocolate chips, honey, and/or berries.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

33g

Fat

3g

Carbs

19g

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