Easy Elephant Ears

There’s something truly magical about enjoying freshly made elephant ears—a delightful treat that evokes the joy and nostalgia of a day at the fair. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these easy elephant ears are sure to bring smiles to your face and warmth to your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves fair food. The elephant ears are simple to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these treats are bound to impress. Plus, by making them at home, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or spoon for mixing
• Rolling pin
• A frying pan or deep fryer
• Paper towels
• Slotted spoon

Ingredients

• Milk – 1 cup
• Warm water – 1 cup
• Active dry yeast – 2 tablespoons
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• White sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Shortening – 3 tablespoons
• All purpose flour – 4 cups
• Oil for deep frying

For the topping:

• Sugar – 4 tablespoons
• Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, salt, white sugar, and shortening. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until you form a smooth dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it’s soft and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
4. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 1 hour.
5. Divide the dough into 12 to 15 balls. Roll each ball into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer. Fry each dough circle for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Mix the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle generously over each elephant ear while still warm.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
• If the dough is sticky, add more flour gradually until the right consistency is reached.
• Fry the elephant ears one at a time to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a richer flavor, you can brush the elephant ears with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar. If you prefer a less sweet topping, adjust the sugar and cinnamon ratio to your taste.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 230 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be denser. You might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

How do I store leftover elephant ears? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Conclusion

These easy elephant ears are a delightful way to bring the spirit of the fair into your home. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own with variations, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!