Description
Roll Kuchen is a delightful, golden fried dough treat popular in German-American communities. This recipe features a slightly sweet yeast dough rolled thin, cut into shapes, and fried until puffed and golden, then optionally dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for serving warm as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Frying & Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar into the warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt by whisking them together evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Combine Dough: Stir the mixture until all ingredients come together to form a slightly sticky dough.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch Down & Roll Out: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Shape Dough: Cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes or rectangles. Optionally, make a small slit in the center of each piece to help it puff while frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350–375°F (175–190°C) for frying.
- Fry Dough Pieces: Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil and fry for about 1–2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Drain: Remove the fried dough pieces and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Dust the warm Roll Kuchen with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Do not overheat the oil to prevent burning; maintain temperature between 350-375°F.
- The slit in the center of each dough piece is optional but helps with puffing during frying.
- Serve Roll Kuchen warm for best taste and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a warm oven for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German-American
Keywords: Roll Kuchen, German fried dough, yeast doughnuts, fried dessert, traditional German recipe
