These easy cinnamon sugar fried dough balls are made with just flour and water, then fried until golden and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar. They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and surprisingly satisfying for such a simple recipe.

Be warned. They are pretty bland but the cinnamon sugar does all the heavy lifting. I accidentally discovered these cinnamon sugar dough balls while experimenting in the kitchen with nothing more than flour and water. I wasn’t expecting much, but after frying them until golden and coating them in cinnamon sugar, they turned into a surprisingly delicious sweet snack. They’re proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. the best part is ANYBODY can make them.

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
⅓–½ cup hot water

For Frying

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

¼ cup granulated sugar
1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Estimated Yield

Makes about 10-15 small dough balls.

Estimated Nutrition

Assuming:

1 cup flour
About 2 tablespoons oil absorbed during frying
¼ cup sugar coating

What It Tastes Like

Because the dough contains only flour and water, the flavor is very mild on its own. Most of the taste comes from the frying process and the cinnamon sugar coating. The result is similar to a simple fairground fried dough, churro bites, or mini doughnut holes, although chewier because there is no yeast or baking powder.

Instructions

Add the flour to a mixing bowl.
Gradually pour in the water, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 8 to 10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Pour enough oil into a deep pot or skillet for frying. The balls will be fried on medium heat
Carefully add the dough balls to the hot oil, working in batches if needed.

Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.

Remove the dough balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Add water gradually since different flour brands absorb moisture differently.
Keep the dough balls small so they cook through completely. Don’t cook on high heat
Coat the dough balls while they’re still warm for the best cinnamon sugar coverage.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the dough.