Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These cinnamon balls are the perfect quick dinner idea or delightful dessert, ideal for a cozy night in. They're unbelievably delicious, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for even the busiest of schedules. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe – guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent throughout the dough.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk. This simple step helps create a smooth batter, resulting in perfectly textured cinnamon balls.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cinnamon balls.
Step 4: Fry the Cinnamon Balls
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles immediately when added.
Using a spoon, carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Drain and Dust
Remove the cooked cinnamon balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Tips for Success:
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked cinnamon balls. If the oil is too cool, the balls will absorb too much oil; if it's too hot, they'll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cinnamon balls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cooling Rack: Using a wire rack allows for better air circulation, which helps the cinnamon balls cool faster and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Balls: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Spiced Cinnamon Balls: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Glazed Cinnamon Balls: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle the cooked balls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or melted chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on oil absorption) Fat: 8-12g Carbohydrates: 20-25g Sugar: 8-10g Protein: 2-3g
Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
These cinnamon balls are a simple pleasure – a fantastic healthy meal option that's quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying as a quiet treat at the end of a long day. Enjoy!