Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes (Zeppoles)

Last week, I was in Publix and fresh pizza dough was on sale for $2! Fresh, yummy pizza dough that I didn’t have to make tonight? YES PLEASE! Problem is, we actually had pizza the night before so I decided to use the dough for a dessert instead.

Initially, I thought cinnamon rolls, but time escaped me so I improvised. I thought back to my Jersey girl days and how I used to love going to the St. Anne’s festival. They had the BEST zeppoles (Italian doughnuts). So, that’s what I made – a small fried ball of pizza dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar and topped with powdered sugar.

In just 15 minutes, I had the most decadent dessert. I better watch myself because in minutes, I ate half the batch. 🙂 Everything in moderation… except tonight.

Try dipping these in some Nutella. It gives them that extra special yum! Trust me. 🙂

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes (Zeppoles)

Servings: about 24
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Print

Ingredients

3 cups vegetable oil
1 lb. fresh pizza dough
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar, for serving

Directions

In deep heavy 3-quart saucepan, heat oil to 350.
Meanwhile, cut pizza dough into 24 small pieces. Roll each piece into ball; set aside.
In small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon (At this point you can either set it aside or you can roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture before frying).
Carefully place dough balls into hot oil; cook about 30 seconds or until light golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to bowl with sugar-cinnamon and shake until doughnuts are coated (this would be the second coating if doing it twice). Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve warm. Enjoy!