BEST Italian Fried Dough Recipe (aka Zeppole or Pizza Fritta!) (2024)

The process of making fried dough spans back centuries. It has been said that the technique could have started as early as 8000 BC, or even before — all that humans needed was fat and a vessel in which to fry the water and flour mixture.

The dough itself is simple — it’s basically a sweetened and softer version of pizza dough. Once formed, it’s deep-fried and then often garnished with something sweet like powdered sugar.

Nearly every country and culture has a version of fried dough and it often takes on different shapes or sizes. In the United States, it’s typical for it to be a small ball, but it can be larger as well, or even incorporate yeast, in the case of elephant ears or donuts.

Other different variations of the delicious fried treat are Italy’s zeppole or pizza fritta (also spelled pizza fritte), France’s beignets (which are also prevalent in New Orleans), China’s eggy youtiao, Spain and Latin America’s buñuelo, Uganda and Tanzania’s mendazi, and the chruściki in Poland. West Africa has a version as well, called akara, that’s made with pea flour.

No matter the shape or the size, or the different names, fried dough is a universal sweet treat as versatile as its savory counterpart, pizza dough. While you can find people dipping pizza crust into everything from honey, hot honey and buffalo sauce to garlic butter sauce, fried dough is equally dippable into the likes of blond syrup, fruity sauces, or chocolate.

The next time you’re looking for an easy dessert that will match well with anyone’s palate, try frying up these delicious Italian fried dough balls.

Why You’ll Love Fried Dough

These fried dough balls will bring back memories of snacking at a summertime fair or on the boardwalk at the beach.

• Easy – The batter comes together quickly and the cooking process is speedy.
• Tasty – These light and airy puffs of dough with their crunchy crust are such a treat.
• Customizable – You can pair these dough puffs with all sorts of sweet sauces.
• Versatile – These are just as perfect for special occasions like Christmas Eve or birthdays as it they are for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Just pull these simple ingredients out of the cabinet and get to work making this quick dough.

• All purpose flour – This is an essential ingredient. You can try using alternative flours but we haven’t experimented with those yet.
• Sugar – There’s powdered sugar for the topping but including sugar in the dough will help to make it sweet.
• Baking powder – This leavening agent will help the dough to rise perfectly.
• Coarse kosher salt – A little salt brings out the sweet flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adding small pieces of cold butter helps create the ideal texture when it’s fried.
• Warm milk – Using warm milk also helps develop the right texture and maintain moisture.
• Vegetable oil – If you don’t have this handy another neutral oil will work.
• Powdered sugar – This is for the garnish. It’s helpful to use a sifter to shake it over top of the hot fried dough when it comes out of the fryer.

How To Make Fried Dough

Having a deep fry thermometer handy while you make this recipe will make it easier to ensure you maintain the proper oil temperature.

1. Sift the dry ingredients (except confectioner’s sugar) into a large bowl.
2. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers.
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the warm water until the dough forms.
4. Allow the dough to rest briefly.
5. When ready to cook, use a spoon to scoop out a small amount of batter.
6. Drop the ball of dough into the hot oil of the heated skillet.
7. Turn the ball halfway through cooking and remove from the oil once it is golden brown on all sides and somewhat puffy.
8. Remove the ball from the skillet and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or clean kitchen towels.
9. Repeat with the dough until it has all been used.
10. Transfer fried dough balls to a wire rack and place it over a baking sheet in the pre-heated oven until ready to serve.
11. Garnish with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations

There are lots of different ways to change up this fried dough recipe.

• Garnishes – Try sprinkling decorators sugar, lemon zest, or pine nuts over top of the fried dough when it is fresh out of the oven. You can also use other citrus zest like orange or lime.
• Topping – Decorate the finished dough with pastry cream or drizzle a sweet confectioners’ sugar icing over top. You can also roll them warm balls of dough in cinnamon sugar.
• Ricotta – Change up the texture a bit by using eggs and ricotta cheese when mixing the dough.
• Savory – To make these a savory treat, omit the sugar and add in ingredients with flavors you love. Try parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped sage leaves,

Fried Dough Dipping Sauce

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing

Fried dough is best when it’s fresh but you can store it at room temperature for about 2 days in an airtight container.

Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours until you are ready to fry.

Refrigerator: Keep fried dough fresher for a longer period of time by storing it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.You can also wrap with plastic wrap.

Freezer: Store fried dough in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

Other Delicious Desserts

• Hocus Pocus Buns
• Air Fryer Donuts
• Thumbprint Jam Cookies