Zeppole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
6. Remove the Zeppole with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy while warm!

Helpful Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, you can fill your Zeppole with sweet vanilla cream or ricotta cheese. Simply make a small slit and use a piping bag to fill them.

If you’re new to frying, make sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too high, and the Zeppole will brown too quickly without cooking through; too low, and they will absorb oil and become greasy.

Storage Instructions

Zeppole are best enjoyed fresh while they are warm and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have vegetable oil, any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil will work for frying. To make this dessert even more special, try dusting with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.

Pairings

These delightful Zeppole pair beautifully with a refreshing glass of limoncello or a hot cup of espresso. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert spread featuring fresh fruit and Italian cookies.