Name: Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep); Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional); Cinnamon sugar, for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

Let me tell you, this Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar recipe is one of those delightful treats that instantly brings back memories of fun fairs and cozy weekend mornings. There’s something about the crispy exterior paired with that sweet, warming vanilla and cinnamon sugar coating that just feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or want to impress friends at a casual get-together, this recipe hits the spot every time.

I first made this fried dough on a whim one chilly afternoon, and it quickly became my go-to whenever I want something quick but a little special. What makes this Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar recipe worth trying is not only how simple it is, but also how it balances simple pantry ingredients with that irresistible warm-spiced sugar finish. I’m pretty sure you’ll love making and sharing it just as much as I enjoy whipping it up.

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find and affordable.
Quick Preparation: You can have these fried treats ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside every time I make it.
Customizable Flavor: The vanilla and cinnamon sugar topping lets you add just the right amount of sweetness and warmth to match your mood.

A white pedestal bowl holds seven round golden-brown dough balls stacked in two uneven layers, each ball dusted with light powdered sugar giving a soft white texture on top; the bowl is lined with beige parchment paper that folds over the edges. The setting is a white marbled surface with scattered powdered sugar and a metal fine sieve filled with powdered sugar in the foreground. The background has white tiled walls and a soft beige cloth nearby, creating a clean and simple kitchen scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients together for this Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar recipe is half the fun — and knowing why each one plays a role helps you tweak it if you want. I always like to use fresh baking powder and pure vanilla extract because those small details make a noticeable difference.

All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, it provides structure but still keeps the dough tender when fried.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough itself, balancing the vanilla and cinnamon sugar topping perfectly.
Baking powder: Essential for making the dough puff up nicely and get that light, airy texture inside.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors – never skip it, even in sweet recipes!
Milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients and adds richness; whole milk works best but you can substitute if needed.
Vanilla extract: This gives that lovely warm aroma and subtle sweetness that pairs with cinnamon sugar so well.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying – it’s key for crispiness without flavor interference.
Powdered sugar (optional): A dusting that adds delicate sweetness if you want a lighter topping option.
Cinnamon sugar (optional): My favorite finishing touch for that classic warm, spicy-sweet flavor.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar recipe is how easy it is to personalize depending on what you love or what you have on hand. I often switch up spices or even try different oils to change the flavor profile just a little bit.

Variation: I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a slightly exotic twist that never fails to impress guests.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free option, swap the milk with almond or oat milk – it works surprisingly well here.
Sweetness Levels: If you prefer less sugar, cut back on the granulated sugar in the dough and use just powdered sugar lightly dusted on top.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients

Start by mixing your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk these together really well to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed — it really helps the dough rise consistently as it fries.

Step 2: Combine the milk and vanilla

In a separate small bowl, mix your milk with the vanilla extract. This little step brings a fragrant softness to the dough. Pour the milk mixture gradually into your dry ingredients while stirring until it forms a sticky dough. If you find it’s a bit too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time — you want it sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Knead gently and form dough balls

Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough gently for about a minute until everything’s combined nicely. This keeps the dough tender instead of overdeveloping gluten. Then divide it into golf-ball-size portions and roll each one into a smooth ball for even frying.

Step 4: Heat the oil and fry dough balls

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a candy or instant-read thermometer is your best bet here to keep the temperature steady — this makes all the difference between greasy versus perfectly crispy fried dough. Carefully drop a few dough balls in without overcrowding and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and dust with sugar

Use a slotted spoon to take the dough out and drain on paper towels to absorb extra oil. When they’ve cooled just a bit, dust them generously with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, whichever you prefer. Serve them warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Consistent Oil Temperature: Monitoring oil temperature carefully ensures a perfect crisp without sogginess; don’t be tempted to crowd the pot.
Sticky Dough is Key: The dough should feel sticky but workable – adding too much flour makes the fried dough tough.
Fresh Vanilla Extract: Using good quality vanilla really lifts the flavor beyond basic fried dough.
Serve Warm: These are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them, gently reheat in the oven to revive crispiness.

How to Serve Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

A white plate holds seven golden-brown round dough balls stacked in a pyramid shape, each dusted with a light layer of white powdered sugar. The dough balls sit on crumpled parchment paper that lines the plate. Above them, a woman's hand holds a metal sieve, sprinkling more powdered sugar, creating a falling dust effect. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with some scattered powdered sugar and a blurred white tile background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick to the classic cinnamon sugar dusting because it adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully, too. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter over before sprinkling sugar for an extra indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This fried dough pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade or alongside a cup of strong coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness with a little bitterness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these in little paper cones or wooden trays sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar. You can add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a more festive look that’s bound to wow guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. I recommend layering them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together and go soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these fried dough balls before and simply reheated them in the oven. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a ziplock bag. When ready, bake them at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again—usually about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, I reheat leftover fried dough in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes instead of the microwave. Microwaving will make them chewy or soggy, which kills the magic of this snack.

FAQs

Can I make this Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Since gluten-free flours vary, you might need to adjust the milk quantity slightly to get the right sticky dough consistency. Also, make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Is it necessary to use a thermometer when frying?

While not absolutely mandatory, using a candy or instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of frying temperature. Keeping oil at around 350°F ensures the dough cooks evenly and crisps up without absorbing too much oil or burning.
Can I use this dough for other fried treats?

Absolutely! This dough is quite versatile. You can flatten the balls and fry them as little flatbreads to serve with sweet or savory dips, or even stuff them before frying for a filled treat. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary slightly.
How can I avoid greasy fried dough?

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If it’s too low, the dough soaks up oil and becomes greasy. Also, don’t overcrowd the frying pot as that lowers the oil temperature quickly. Drain fried pieces on paper towels right after frying to soak up excess oil.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Dough with Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like cooking up a little celebration in the kitchen — one bite always brings a smile. It’s straightforward yet feels like a real treat, perfect when you need a little comfort or want to make something special without fuss. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, once you fry up your first golden batch dusted with cinnamon sugar, you’ll be hooked!