Step 1

Measure and prep all ingredients for the fried dough.

Step 2

Prepare the dough. In the bowl of a standing mixer or a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, instant yeast and salt.

Step 3

In a measuring cup, whisk together the filtered water, vegetable oil and egg.

Step 4

Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 5

Switch to the dough hook or knead by hand for about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a smooth round ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm room and let the dough rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1-1½ hours.

Step 7

Shape the fried dough. Remove the dough from the bowl and deflate it by gently pushing it down. On a lightly floured surface, divide the risen dough into five pieces.

Step 8

Use a rolling pin to roll out each piece of dough to a ½-inch thick disc. If the dough springs back, wait 5 minutes before attempting to roll out the dough again.

Step 9

Cook the fried dough. Line a sheet pan with a cooling rack. Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven with about 2-inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F. Prepare the melted butter along with a pastry brush. Once the oil is hot, add the dough, one or two at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-2½ minutes.

Step 10

Remove the fried dough to the prepared wire rack and fry the remaining dough. Brush the fried dough with melted butter.

Step 11

Top the fried dough with a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Fried dough is best served the day they are made. Enjoy!