Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries

Here’s a  recipe for Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries — crispy, sweet, and perfect as a snack or dessert. These pastries are light, fluffy inside, and coated with a crunchy sugar shell.

Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup milk (adjust as needed)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) for deep frying

For Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a cinnamon sugar coating)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for better sugar adherence)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

2. Add butter: Cut in the softened butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Make dough: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash more milk.

5. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. Rest: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll.

Step 2: Shape the Pastries

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

2. Cut the dough into your desired shapes — squares, rectangles, or triangles work well.

3. Optionally, you can fold them or twist for a decorative effect.

Step 3: Frying

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil in small batches.

3. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed.

4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pastries and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Sugar Coating

1. While still warm, brush the pastries lightly with melted butter (this step helps the sugar stick better, but you can skip it if you prefer).

2. Toss the pastries in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar mix until fully coated.

3. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.

• You can also fill the pastries with jam or sweetened cream cheese before frying.

• Serve these pastries fresh and warm with tea, coffee, or milk.