Step 1

On a large plate, combine the coating ingredients (sugar and cinnamon), set aside. Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray, set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the a dough hook, stir together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in the warm milk, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, egg, and oil.

Step 3

Gradually add in the flour 1/2 cup at at time. Mix and scrap down the sides of the bowl after each addition. After all the flour has been added in, mix until a smooth dough ball forms.

Step 4

Place the dough ball in the greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, approximately 30-45 minutes.

Step 5

Place the risen dough on a floured flat surface (ex. kitchen counter) gently deflate and flatten into a rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 even pieces. Shape each piece into a thin oval (beaver tail shape). Use a sharp knife to carefully score the top of the beaver tails to create small square sections (to replicate a beaver tail).

Step 6

Place the shaped beaver tails on a floured cookie sheet and cover with a lint free towel. Set aside to rise 10 minutes.

Step 7

In a large skillet or deep pot, heat enough oil to come 2" up the sides on medium-high heat.

Step 8

Working in batches, fry the beaver tails 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove from the oil, drain on a paper towel and then immediately dip in the cinnamon sugar mix. Set on a cooling rack to cool. Repeat with all beaver tails.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy!