These traditional Italian fried dough puffs are best served as soon as possible after frying. For an even more indulgent treat, serve them with chocolate hazelnut spread or your favorite chocolate sauce for dipping.
powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or cinnamon-sugar, for dusting the fried zeppole
chocolate hazelnut spread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, stir together yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and warm water, until dissolved. Let stand 5-10 minutes until yeast is foamy. Stir in flour until well combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. Risen dough will be very sticky and elastic in texture.
Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (I use 1 gallon of oil for my 7-quart Dutch oven) to 350-375 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Carefully drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the risen dough into the hot oil, using a second spoon to help ease the dough into the oil. (A small, lightly-oiled cookie scoop also works well.) Fry the zeppole, about 4-6 at a time depending on the size of your pot, until the dough is cooked through and golden, 5-8 minutes. Regulate the heat to maintain oil temperature. Transfer to a paper towel-lined rack or pan.
While warm, roll fried zeppole in granulated sugar or dust liberally with powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can place either of the sugars in a brown paper bag, add the warm, fried zeppole, and shake to coat. Serve immediately.