Italian Fried Dough Recipe

overhead close up shot of italian fried dough balls

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: fried dough recipe, fried italian dough, homemade zeppole, Italian donuts, Italian doughnuts, Italian fried dough, Italian zeppole, zeppole recipe

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

Servings: balls

Calories: 53kcal

Author: Jessica Formicola

Italian fried dough makes easy homemade zeppole that are golden and lightly puffed. A simple dessert with bakery-style nostalgia.

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Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter , cut into ½ inch cubes
¾ cup warm milk
Vegetable oil
Powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to warm or 170°F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend in the cubed 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter.
Stir in the warm ¾ cup warm milk until the dough comes together. Cover and set aside to rest for 15 minutes. Dough will still be slightly sticky.
Using a shallow skillet, heat approximately 1-inch of Vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a deep fry thermometer to make sure your heat is stable.
Spray a tablespoon with cooking spray and scoop out a heaping tablespoon to form a loose ball. Drop into the hot oil, cooking for about 1 minute and turning halfway until golden brown. Continue to work until all is fried, approximately 24 balls. Balls will be golden brown and slightly puffed.
Remove to a wire rack over a baking sheet and place into a warm oven until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, dust with Powdered sugar.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

Storage: Keep fried dough fresher for a longer period of time by storing it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also wrap with plastic wrap.

Freezing: Store fried dough in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

Nutrition