If you’re craving a golden, crispy treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, the Elephant Ears Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful fried dough snack offers the perfect combination of airy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar topping—a true carnival classic that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack or a quick dessert to impress friends and family, this Elephant Ears Recipe is simple to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear plastic bottle filled with light yellow cooking oil placed at the top right, lying on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth underneath it. Below the bottle, there are five small white bowls arranged in a circular pattern on a small wooden cutting board. The top left bowl contains white flour with a powdery texture, the top right bowl holds a reddish-brown powder, the middle bottom bowl shows white granulated sugar, the bottom left bowl has a white, coarse powder, and the small bowl at the top center has a pinch of pink salt. The scene is calm and organized, with natural light showing the details of each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to whip up these warm, crispy elephant ears. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance between light dough and that signature sweet finish.

Flour (2 cups): This forms the base of our dough, giving the elephant ears their structure and soft texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Just a pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Baking Powder (½ tsp): The secret to the dough puffing up gorgeously during frying.
Warm water (1 cup): Helps bring the dough together smoothly and makes it pliable for rolling.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, to get that crisp golden crust.
Sugar (2 Tbsp): Adds a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Cinnamon (2 tsp): The classic spice that brings warmth and aroma to this treat.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Elephant Ears Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl to create a uniform base. Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky. This initial step is crucial because it sets the texture for your elephant ears—it should be pliable enough to roll out smoothly.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rest

Allow the dough to sit for about five minutes. This brief rest lets the flour hydrate fully, making the dough easier to work with and ensuring that your elephant ears will puff up nicely during frying.

Step 3: Shape the Dough Pieces

Once rested, transfer the dough onto a clean surface and roll it out slightly. Cut the dough into six equal pieces. This portion control helps you fry each elephant ear evenly, giving you perfectly crisp edges and a soft inside.

Step 4: Roll the Dough Circles

Take each piece and roll it out into a circle about half an inch thick. Keeping the thickness uniform is key to cooking these golden treats evenly, so take your time to get each circle just right.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

In a deep pot, heat three inches of oil to the right temperature for frying. Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil and watch it puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Flip to cook the other side, ensuring both sides are evenly crispy and light.

Step 6: Drain and Sugar Coat

Remove the elephant ears from the oil and place them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle the mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the top. The warmth helps the sugar adhere and slightly melt, creating that irresistible coating.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

These elephant ears are best enjoyed immediately while warm and crispy for the full sensory experience. And just like that, your homemade Elephant Ears Recipe is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Elephant Ears Recipe

The image shows two white plates and a small clear bowl on a white marbled surface. The plate at the bottom holds a single golden-brown fried dough piece dusted with a layer of light brown cinnamon sugar sprinkled unevenly on top and around the dough. The plate at the top left corner has another plain fried dough without topping, showing a soft, puffy texture with slight browning. The small bowl at the top right holds more of the light brown cinnamon sugar. The arrangement is simple with a clean, bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar is classic, but you can get creative: try drizzling with honey or maple syrup, adding a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a light spread of melted chocolate for an indulgent twist. Fresh fruit slices can also add a bright freshness that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Elephant Ears Recipe stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of rich hot chocolate, creamy vanilla ice cream, or spiced chai tea. These companions create a cozy, comforting snack or dessert experience that’s perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your elephant ears on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar and garnished with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch. Layer them with sliced berries and whipped cream for a playful dessert platter that’s sure to impress guests at any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay best for up to one day before they begin to lose their crispness. To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, a quick reheat in an oven or toaster oven works wonders.

Freezing

You can freeze the elephant ears once cooled completely by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to one month. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the perfect texture, reheat elephant ears in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method crisps up the exterior while warming the inside evenly. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour for this Elephant Ears Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for a tender yet crispy texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just note these may slightly alter the dough’s elasticity and final crispness.

What kind of oil is best for frying elephant ears?

Choose an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils remain stable at frying temperatures and help achieve the perfect golden crunch without imparting off-flavors.

Is it necessary to let the dough rest?

Yes! Letting the dough rest for about five minutes allows the flour to fully absorb the water, making it easier to roll out and ensuring the elephant ears puff up nicely when fried.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Elephant Ears Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no dairy or eggs. Just be sure your frying oil is plant-based, and you’re good to go.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to heat the oil to about 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without burning.

Final Thoughts

Making this Elephant Ears Recipe at home brings a little joy and a lot of deliciousness to your day. These crispy, sugary treats are delightfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself making elephant ears on repeat for all your snack cravings and celebrations!

Elephant Ears Recipe

Print Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This classic Elephant Ears recipe features crispy, golden fried dough circles generously coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a delightful snack or dessert, these light and fluffy treats are quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their warm, comforting flavors.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

2 cups Flour
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Baking Powder
1 cup warm water (may not need all)

Frying & Topping

Oil for Frying (enough to fill 3 inches in pot)
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add Water and Form Dough: Slowly stir in the warm water a little at a time until a soft dough forms; you might not need the entire cup. Mix until all ingredients come together.
Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to sit for 5 minutes; this resting period helps the flour hydrate for easier rolling.
Divide Dough: Roll the dough out slightly on a floured surface and cut it into six equal pieces for uniform cooking.
Roll Out Circles: Roll each piece into a ½ inch thick circle to prepare for frying.
Heat Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep pot to fill about 3 inches and heat until hot enough for frying (about 350°F or 175°C).
Fry Dough Circles: Carefully fry each dough circle in the hot oil until golden brown and puffed slightly. Flip to cook the other side evenly.
Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried dough and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl while the dough is still warm.
Sugar the Elephant Ears: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the warm fried dough.
Serve: Serve the elephant ears immediately for the best taste and texture, enjoying the warm, sweet treat.

Notes

Ensure oil temperature is maintained around 350°F to avoid greasy, undercooked elephant ears.
Use warm water to help the dough come together more easily.
Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal crispness.
You can adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to suit your taste preference.
If you prefer a different shape, the dough can be rolled into ovals or rectangles instead of circles.