Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries
There’s something magical about homemade fried pastries — golden, airy, and coated in a sweet layer of sugar that sparkles in the light. These Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and irresistibly good. They’re perfect for breakfast, a quick snack with tea, or as a comforting dessert after a long day. Every bite feels like a warm hug from the kitchen!
Serve them fresh and warm, rolled in cinnamon sugar for a cozy touch — or keep it classic with plain white sugar for a simple, nostalgic treat. Either way, these pastries disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add softened butter and rub it into the flour mixture until crumbly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour until smooth and manageable.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a round cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Fry the Pastries: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough circles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Coat with Sugar: Drain pastries on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in a mix of sugar and cinnamon (if using) until fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. Perfect with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of honey!
Tips & Variations
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough for extra aroma.
- Filling idea: Inject pastries with jam, Nutella, or custard before coating with sugar.
- Air fryer version: Brush pastries with melted butter and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Sugar-Coated Fried Pastries
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 10 pastries | Category: Dessert, Snack | Cuisine: Homemade | Method: Frying
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients and rub in butter.
- Add wet ingredients to form dough.
- Roll to 1/2 inch thick and cut into circles.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 mins per side until golden.
- Drain and roll in sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest pastries, make sure the oil is fully heated before frying. Fry in small batches for even cooking!

