Dessert

Delicious Homemade Zeppole with Powdered and Cinnamon Sugar Coatings Recipe

Name: Delicious Homemade Zeppole with Powdered and Cinnamon Sugar Coatings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon dry active yeast; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup warm milk; 1 cup warm water; Oil for frying (vegetable oil recommended); Powdered sugar (for coating); Cinnamon sugar (for coating)

ByIsabella Vance January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

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Introduction

Zeppole are delightful Italian fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Lightly sweetened and coated in powdered or cinnamon sugar, they make an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

A metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds two types of round fritters arranged side by side: six golden-brown fritters coated with sugar on the left, and nine fritters dusted with powdered sugar on the right, one of which is broken to show a light, airy interior. In the center of the tray, a small white round bowl contains dark chocolate sauce. The tray rests on a white marbled texture surface with scattered powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar in three small white bowls near the edges, and a pink cloth peeking from the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon dry active yeast
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup warm milk
1 cup warm water
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar (for coating)
Cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and dry active yeast. Add the warm water, warm milk, and vanilla extract, then whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: When the dough is nearly doubled, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Lightly spray a medium cookie scoop with pan spray. Use it to scoop balls of dough into the hot oil, frying about 4 minutes each, or until golden brown all over. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the oil temperature stays consistent.
Step 5: Use a metal spider or slotted spoon to turn the zeppole frequently while frying, ensuring even cooking on all sides.
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the zeppole with the spider and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Transfer the warm zeppole into a paper bag, add a generous amount of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, close the bag, and shake until the doughnuts are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best taste.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough before rising.
Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying to achieve a crisp, light texture.
For a filled version, slice the zeppole after frying and fill with pastry cream or chocolate sauce.
Keep oil temperature steady between 375 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit using a thermometer to ensure even frying.

Storage

Zeppole are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of several round fritters placed on a gray metal tray on a white marbled surface, each fritter is covered with a layer of white powdered sugar giving a rough texture; one fritter is broken open at the top center showing a light golden brown crispy crust with an airy, soft, and creamy beige inside; behind the fritters, there is a small white bowl filled with dark brown sauce and a golden mesh sieve containing powdered sugar slightly blurred; a soft pink cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner of the tray; the overall colors are warm with a focus on the white powdered sugar, golden browns, and soft pink; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before frying.