Orange-Cinnamon Fritters

Name: Orange-Cinnamon Fritters
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 30
Ingredients: 1 0.25-oz. package active dry yeast; 1 c. whole milk, warmed to 110°F to 115°F, divided; 3 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. sugar, divided, plus 1/2 c. for tossing; 3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 3 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided; 1 large egg, well beaten; 2 tsp. orange zest; 2 tbsp. canola oil, plus more for frying

Fried dough tossed in a spiced sugar coating? Yes please.

By Kate MerkerPublished: Dec 12, 2025

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orange cinnamon fritters. snacks. sweets and confections.

mike garten

Yields:

Total Time:

50 mins

With crisp edges, chewy middles, and a spiced sugar coating, these orange-cinnamon fritters are holiday gold. GH Chief Food Director Kate Merker likes to switch up what she fries for Hanukkah—so she dreamed up this cozy-citrus twist on tradition. The texture lands somewhere between a doughnut and a soft pretzel—delightfully dense, with just the right amount of give. Quick to fry, easy to share, and impossible to stop eating, they’re bound to become a new holiday favorite.

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Ingredients

1 0.25-oz. package active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F to 115°F, divided
3 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. sugar, divided, plus 1/2 c. for tossing
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
1 large egg, well beaten
2 tsp. orange zest
2 Tbsp. canola oil, plus more for frying

Directions

1. Step 1In liquid measuring cup, stir together yeast and ¼ cup warm milk to dissolve. Stir in 1 tsp sugar and let sit until foamy, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together, flour, salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Make well in center.
3. Step 3Add yeast mixture, egg, orange zest, 2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 3/4 cup warm milk; using rubber spatula, stir until dough comes together. Using hands, knead a few times into ball (dough will be tacky). Cover and let rest in warm place until doubled in size, 40 to 50 minutes.
4. Step 4Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet. Attach deep-fry thermometer to large saucepan, add 2 inches oil, and adjust heat so thermometer registers 350°F to 360°F.
5. Step 5Working in batches (no more than 8 at a time), tear spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and carefully add to oil and cook until golden brown, 1 to 11/2 minutes per side, then transfer to prepared rack
6. Step 6 In medium bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar and teaspoon cinnamon. Working with 5 at a time, toss in cinnamon sugar, then transfer to platter.