Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Poppers are delightful treats that bring a warm, sweet flavor to any occasion. They’re perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy night in. The combination of crispy dough with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible and easy to share. Plus, they’re quick to make, so you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Poppers
Ingredients:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a medium bowl or brown paper bag, combine the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat about 2-½ inches deep of oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, 2-½ tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring this mixture to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- When the dough is cool enough to handle, scoop and lightly roll the dough into balls about the size of walnuts.
- Fry 3-4 dough balls at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown.
- Remove the poppers from the oil and immediately shake or stir them in the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place them on a plate while you repeat the process with the remaining dough.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Poppers
Cinnamon Sugar Poppers are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain or with a side of dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel. They make a lovely snack for gatherings or a sweet treat for a cozy dessert at home. Dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar on top adds to the presentation!
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Poppers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within a day or two as they tend to lose their crispiness. You can reheat them briefly in the oven to bring back some of their crunch if needed.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Sugar Poppers
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying; too hot can burn the dough, and too cool can make them greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- For a special touch, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Variation
You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract to the dough or using different spices in the sugar mixture. Try using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different texture!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just let it come to room temperature before frying.
2. What kind of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is a great choice because it has a high smoke point. You could also use canola or peanut oil.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives them a nice crispy texture, you can try baking them at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, but the result will be softer and not as golden brown.
Cinnamon Sugar Poppers
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar For coating
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For coating
For the Dough
- 1 cup water For making the dough
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar For the dough
- ½ teaspoon salt For seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For the dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For making the dough
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl or brown paper bag, combine the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat about 2-½ inches deep of oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, 2-½ tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring this mixture to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- When the dough is cool enough to handle, scoop and lightly roll the dough into balls about the size of walnuts.
Cooking
- Fry 3-4 dough balls at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown.
- Remove the poppers from the oil and immediately shake or stir them in the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place them on a plate while you repeat the process with the remaining dough.
- Serve immediately.