Recreate the nostalgic joy of fair-style elephant ears at home with this quick and customizable recipe featuring a crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treat perfect for any occasion.

Nothing captures the magic of a summer fair quite like the aroma of fresh, golden elephant ears dusted in cinnamon sugar. Now, you can recreate that nostalgic experience in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these oversized treats are a fun and delicious project for a weekend afternoon or a festive gathering.

The best part? Elephant ears are a blank canvas for creativity. While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is always a winner, you can take them to the next level with a variety of toppings. Drizzle warm Nutella or caramel for a rich twist, pile on fresh fruit for a burst of sweetness, or go all out with a scoop of ice cream and crushed candy for an indulgent dessert.

With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes of prep, you’ll be sinking your teeth into this carnival favorite in no time. Let’s roll out the dough, heat up the oil, and start frying! Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you.

What You’ll Need to Make Fair-Style Elephant Ears

Ingredients

For the Dough

active dry yeast
warm water (110°F / 45°C)
granulated sugar
salt
unsalted butter
all-purpose flour

For Frying

vegetable oil

For Topping

granulated sugar
ground cinnamon

How to Make Fair-Style Elephant Ears

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–7 minutes, or until frothy.

Combine the melted butter and salt.

Then gradually add the flour to the stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook attachment.

Mix until a dough forms. This can be done with a mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon or a danish dough whisk, but the stand mixer is much easier on the hands.

Tip the dough out on to a floured surface and knead by hand for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl.

Cover the bowl with a clean towel.

Let the dough rise for 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl on top of a heating pad on low.

Punch down the dough, flatten out and divide into 6 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a thin, irregular circle resembling an elephant ear.

Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slide one piece of dough into the hot oil.

Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.

Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.

While the fried dough is still warm, press each piece into the mixture, coating both sides.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy or add toppings.

If you desire, add any toppings you like.

Tips for Making Fair-Style Elephant Ears

Test the oil temperature with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
Keep fried elephant ears warm in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) if making a large batch.

Topping Ideas for Fair-Style Elephant Ears

Classic Toppings

cinnamon sugar
powdered sugar
honey drizzle

Sweet Toppings

chocolate syrup
caramel sauce
maple syrup
nutella
marshmallow cream
peanut butter drizzle
fruit preserves or jam (e.g., strawberry, raspberry)
condensed milk

Fresh Additions

sliced strawberries
banana slices
blueberries
chopped pineapple
mixed berries

Crunchy Toppings

crushed nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, walnuts)
toasted coconut flakes
crumbled graham crackers
sprinkles
granola

Indulgent Toppings

whipped cream
ice cream scoop
M&M’s or mini chocolate chips
Oreo crumbles
candy bar bits (e.g., Snickers, Reese’s)

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