Recipe card
Print / PDFHomemade Fried Dough
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- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 5 mins
- resting
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the base of your dough)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to add a hint of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (balances the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for that perfect puffiness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened for richness)
- 3/4 cup warm water (or milk for a richer flavor)
- Oil for frying (necessary for that crispy exterior)
Equipment
- 1 Bowl — For mixing ingredients
- 1 Deep Skillet or Pot — For frying the dough
- 1 Rolling Pin — For rolling out the dough
- 1 Paper towels — For draining excess oil
Method
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- 2
Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel a bit like sand!
- 3
Gradually add warm water or milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t be shy; get in there!
- 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You got this!
- 5
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is the dough’s time to relax!
- 6
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin round. Make them as big or small as you like!
- 7
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Be careful; it’s hot in there!
- 8
Fry each dough round until puffed and golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. Flip them with love!
- 9
Drain on paper towels and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious fried dough!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Why You’ll Love This fried dough
- It’s a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories.
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or dips.
- A fun activity to enjoy with family and friends!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious fried dough!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the base of your dough
- 2 tablespoons sugar – to add a hint of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon salt – balances the flavors
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – for that perfect puffiness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – softened for richness
- 3/4 cup warm water – or milk for a richer flavor
- Oil for frying – necessary for that crispy exterior
How to Make Fried Dough
Get ready for a delightful treat! This fried dough recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 5 minutes to cook, and an extra 10 minutes for resting. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
Step 2: Cut in Butter
Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel a bit like sand!
Step 3: Add Liquid
Gradually add warm water or milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t be shy; get in there!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You got this!
Step 5: Let it Rest
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is the dough’s time to relax!
Step 6: Divide and Roll
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin round. Make them as big or small as you like!
Step 7: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Be careful; it’s hot in there!
Step 8: Fry the Dough
Fry each dough round until puffed and golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. Flip them with love!
Step 9: Drain and Serve
Drain on paper towels and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious fried dough!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert / snacks |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm and crispy |
Pro Tips for Making Fried Dough
- Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes for a lighter texture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F).
- Roll the dough out evenly for consistent cooking and a perfect shape.
- Experiment with different toppings like cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for variety.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve this fried dough
- Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet treat.
- Serve with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a classic touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside a fruit compote for a fruity twist.
- Try with a savory dip like garlic butter for a unique flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your fried dough later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let fried dough cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool fried dough completely before freezing.
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Microwave for a quick option, but it may lose some crispiness.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy fried dough recipe in your hands, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy the delightful crunch and warmth of homemade goodness! Whether you sprinkle them with sugar or dip them in your favorite sauce, these golden treats are sure to bring smiles and nostalgia. Happy frying!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
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Is fried dough a New England thing?
Is fried dough the same as funnel cake?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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