What’s better than dessert? A deep-fried dessert! This traditional Zippoli is the perfect way to top off an authentic Italian meal. You can find this delectable dessert in Italian restaurants, but when you’re just craving something sweet, you can make them at home yourself.
Read on to find out more about this tasty treat and how to make it on your own.
Table of Contents
Zippoli Pastry
This dessert is a fried ball of dough topped with various sweet treats. It’s a traditional dessert to have on March 19th, in celebration of the Catholic holiday known as St. Joseph’s Day.
You can top them with powdered sugar, honey, custard, fruit filling, chocolate filling, and other decadent options. They are also commonly served with a ricotta filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- all purpose flour
- eggs
- butter
- sugar
- cold water
- Vegetable oil
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Zippoli
- Heat two inches of oil in a deep fryer or a wide saucepan over high heat (about 375˚F).
- In a medium saucepan over medium to low heat, add water or milk, butter, and sugar and cook until completely melted.
- Lower the heat and gradually add flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull away from the edges of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to cool off in a large mixing bowl for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing each one in well with a hand mixer or wooden spoon. (Be sure the dough is warm but not hot as it will cook the eggs.)
- When the oil is hot, spoon out the batter with a small spoon. With a spatula, scrape the dough off the spoon and allow it to gently fall into the oil. Do this slowly and carefully to prevent hot oil from splashing.
- Fry batches of 6 to 8 doughnuts at a time for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to turn them at least once so they cook evenly.
- With a slotted spoon, remove cooked zeppole from the hot oil and place them on a dish lined with paper towels to cool. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Is Zeppole Made From Pizza Dough?
Similar to the light and fluffy dough used for making eclairs and cream puffs, zeppole are made from a pate choux dough. The dough consists of milk or water, butter, flour, and beaten eggs. Pizza dough can be used in the event you are unable to make this type of fluffy dough instead.
Are Zeppole And Beignets The Same?
Beignets originated in France. They have a different shape as well as a denser consistency. Zeppole are circular, light, and fluffy stuffed pastries. They are both fried and covered in sugar, but the dough is completely different.
Zippoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 sticks butter (1/2 cup)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Heat two inches of oil in a deep fryer or a wide saucepan over high heat (about 375˚F).
- In a medium saucepan over medium to low heat, add water or milk, butter, and sugar and cook until completely melted.
- Lower the heat and gradually add flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull away from the edges of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to cool off in a large mixing bowl for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing each one in well with a hand mixer or wooden spoon. (Be sure the dough is warm but not hot as it will cook the eggs.)
- When the oil is hot, spoon out the batter with a small spoon. With a spatula, scrape the dough off the spoon and allow it to gently fall into the oil. Do this slowly and carefully to prevent hot oil from splashing.
- Fry batches of 6 to 8 doughnuts at a time for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to turn them at least once so they cook evenly.
- With a slotted spoon, remove cooked zeppole from the hot oil and place them on a dish lined with paper towels to cool. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature remains hot, between 350˚F and 375˚F, for optimal results. Do not overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop.
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