Mardi Gras Fried Dough Delight (Printable version)

Crispy golden fried dough pillows dusted with powdered sugar, a festive treat ideal for celebrations and sharing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ For Frying

10 - 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Topping

11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

# How to Make It:

01 - Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy.
02 - Add remaining sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to yeast mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
03 - Gradually incorporate flour and salt, mixing until a soft, tacky dough forms that pulls away from bowl sides.
04 - Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel, and let rise in warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
06 - Punch down risen dough and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 x 2-inch squares or diamonds using sharp knife or pizza cutter.
07 - Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Maintain temperature throughout frying.
08 - Fry pieces in batches without crowding for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. Turn with slotted spoon halfway through.
09 - Remove fried dough with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10 - While still warm, generously coat all sides with sifted powdered sugar.
11 - Serve fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Reheat briefly in warm oven if necessary.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The outside gets impossibly crisp while staying pillowy soft inside, that perfect texture contrast that makes you reach for just one more
  • They come together faster than you would expect, turning an ordinary Tuesday into something worth celebrating
  • Freshly warm dough covered in snow-white sugar tastes like happiness and feels like a party regardless of the occasion
02 -
  • Crowding the pan drops the oil temperature fast, leaving you with greasy instead of crispy results
  • Letting the dough rest for even ten minutes after cutting helps it puff better in the hot oil
03 -
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to maintain oil temperature—it is the difference between good and great
  • Keep a paper towel lined cooling rack ready so you can work continuously without stopping

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