German•indulgent

Mutti's Räderkuchen: German Deep-Fried Pastries

Quick, deep-fried, and rolled in cinnamon-sugar—Räderkuchen were little bites of heaven at our house. Like homemade doughnuts, only cuter.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and/or a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon for toppings, as desired
2 tbsp (28 g) butter, room temperature
3 tbsp (39 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 tbsp (45 ml) milk
2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (8 g) baking powder
lard or peanut oil, for frying

1
Place your choice of desired toppings into separate bowls. Cover a large plate with paper towels and set aside.
2
Put the butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and mix together. Form into a ball, adding a little extra flour as needed if the dough is too sticky, or chill the dough in the fridge to let it firm up.
3
Roll half the dough into a ⅜-inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured counter.
4
Cut into 1-inch wide strips. Cut strips into 3-inch long pieces. About ½-inch from one end of each, cut a 1-inch long slot. Pull the long end of the strip through the slot. Repeat with remaining dough. Excess dough can be rerolled.
5
Heat lard or oil in the deep fryer set to 350°F (175°C).
6
Carefully put several cookies into the hot fat. After a minute or so, when the edges are golden brown, flip and fry the other side till golden. Remove cookies with a spider or slotted spoon and put them on the plate covered with paper towels to drain.
7
While still hot, roll in the sugar topping of your choice and place on a wire rack to finish cooling. Repeat with remaining dough. Enjoy fresh!