Golden Crispy Fried Dough (Printable)

Warm, golden fried dough, crisped and topped with sugar or honey for a classic indulgence.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup whole milk

→ For Frying

07 - 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Toppings

08 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar
09 - Honey, for drizzling (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
02 - Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Gradually add milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute.
05 - Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Pat or roll each piece into a round disc about 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
07 - Fry each disc for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
08 - Drain fried dough on paper towels.
09 - While warm, dust generously with powdered or granulated sugar, or drizzle with honey as desired. Serve immediately.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 30 minutes, so you can satisfy cravings without a full baking project.
  • The recipe works every time—there's real satisfaction in pulling golden, puffed dough straight from the oil.
  • Serves a crowd easily, and people genuinely lose their minds over warm fried dough with sugar.
02 -
  • Oil temperature is everything—if it's too cool, the dough absorbs oil and becomes greasy; too hot and it browns before puffing.
  • Don't skip the baking powder or try to substitute it; it's what creates that signature light, airy texture inside.
  • Work quickly once the dough is fried and topped—fried dough is best eaten warm, within minutes of coming out of the oil.
03 -
  • Make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours; cold dough is actually easier to work with and fries more evenly.
  • If you want to serve fried dough to a group, fry everything in advance and reheat gently in a warm oven for 5 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
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