Golden Fried Cinnamon Strips: A Deliciously Simple Treat

Fried cinnamon strips are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Imagine crispy, golden-brown ribbons of dough, coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a quick dessert, a sweet snack, or even a fun brunch addition, these strips are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure your fried cinnamon strips turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour.
* **Deliciously Addictive:** The combination of crispy dough, warm cinnamon, and sweet sugar is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them as is, dip them in chocolate sauce, or serve them alongside ice cream.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This is a cost-effective way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **For the Dough:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying

* **For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:**
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Mixing Bowl
* Rolling Pin
* Pizza Cutter or Knife
* Large Skillet or Deep Fryer
* Slotted Spoon or Spider
* Paper Towels
* Shallow Dish or Plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the strips tough.
4. Form the dough into a ball. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

**Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating**

1. While the dough is resting, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

**Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough**

1. After the dough has rested, lightly flour your work surface again.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier the strips will be.
3. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. You can adjust the size of the strips to your preference.

**Step 4: Fry the Cinnamon Strips**

1. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If the dough sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30-60 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Carefully add the cinnamon strips to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy strips.
3. Fry the strips for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to turn them over during frying to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove the fried cinnamon strips from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar**

1. While the fried cinnamon strips are still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each strip is evenly coated.
2. Serve the cinnamon strips warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fried Cinnamon Strips

* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough can result in tough strips. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Rest the Dough:** Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for relaxing the gluten and making it easier to roll out.
* **Roll the Dough Thinly:** Thin dough results in crispy strips. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
* **Maintain the Oil Temperature:** Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is essential for even cooking and preventing greasy strips. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy strips. Fry the strips in batches.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** Placing the fried strips on paper towels helps to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
* **Coat While Warm:** Coating the strips with cinnamon sugar while they are still warm ensures that the sugar adheres properly.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Fresh oil is essential for the best flavor. Do not reuse oil that has been used for frying other foods, as it may impart unwanted flavors.
* **Add a Pinch of Spices:** Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While cinnamon sugar is classic, feel free to experiment with other toppings, such as powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of honey.

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Mexican Chocolate Cinnamon Strips:** Add a pinch of chili powder and a dash of cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a Mexican chocolate twist.
* **Orange Zest Cinnamon Strips:** Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
* **Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Strips:** Before frying, spread a thin layer of Nutella on the dough, then roll it up tightly and cut it into strips. This will create a gooey and delicious center.
* **Apple Pie Cinnamon Strips:** Add diced apples and a pinch of apple pie spice to the dough for an apple pie-inspired treat.
* **Glazed Cinnamon Strips:** Instead of coating the strips with cinnamon sugar, make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. Dip the fried strips in the glaze and let it set.

Serving Suggestions

* **As a Snack:** Enjoy fried cinnamon strips as a simple and satisfying snack any time of day.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve them as a quick and easy dessert after dinner.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Alongside Ice Cream:** Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with fried cinnamon strips for a delicious and decadent treat.
* **For Brunch:** Add them to your brunch spread for a sweet and crispy addition.
* **Dipped in Chocolate Sauce:** Melt some chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate bar and use it as a dipping sauce.
* **With Fruit:** Serve them alongside fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas.

Storage Instructions

Fried cinnamon strips are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispness over time. To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 150-200 per serving (depending on size and ingredients)
* Fat: 5-8 grams
* Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: 50-100 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Sugar: 10-15 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use self-rising flour?**

While you can use self-rising flour, you’ll need to omit the baking powder from the recipe. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder, so adding more could result in strips that are too puffy.

* **Can I use a different type of milk?**

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The flavor and texture of the strips may vary slightly depending on the type of milk you use.

* **Can I bake the strips instead of frying them?**

Yes, you can bake the strips instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Baked cinnamon strips will be less crispy than fried ones, but they are a healthier option.

* **Can I make the dough ahead of time?**

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

* **What is the best oil for frying?**

Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all good choices for frying cinnamon strips. These oils have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which won’t interfere with the taste of the strips.

* **How do I prevent the strips from becoming greasy?**

To prevent the strips from becoming greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them to the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, and drain the strips on paper towels after frying.

* **Can I freeze the fried cinnamon strips?**

While you *can* freeze them, it’s not highly recommended. The texture will change significantly, becoming less crispy and somewhat chewy. If you must freeze them, ensure they are completely cooled, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a preheated oven.

* **Why are my strips not crispy?**

Several factors can contribute to strips that aren’t crispy. The oil may not be hot enough, the dough may be too thick, or the strips may have been overcrowded in the skillet. Make sure to use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, roll the dough thinly, and fry the strips in batches.

* **What can I do if I don’t have a pizza cutter?**

A sharp knife will work just fine if you don’t have a pizza cutter. Just ensure you cut evenly for uniform cooking.

Enjoy making these delicious fried cinnamon strips! This simple recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.