Golden Fried Dough Balls with Vanilla Cream Center

Ingredients

For the Dough Balls:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 qt vegetable oil for frying

For the Vanilla Cream Center:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup whole milk

For Garnish:

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean

paste in a small saucepan over medium heat until

simmering.

Whisk cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk together to create a

slurry, then stream into the hot cream.

Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens into a heavy

custard; remove from heat and chill until firm.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large

bowl.

Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft, sticky

dough forms.

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.

Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and

place a small teaspoon of the chilled vanilla cream in the

center.

Pinch the dough tightly around the cream to seal and roll

into a smooth ball.

Fry the dough balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning

frequently until deep golden brown.

Drain on paper towels for 1 minute.

Toss the warm dough balls in a mixture of powdered

sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.