Utah Scones (Deep-Fried)
These are not scones as the rest of the world knows them. I just call them Utah scones. They're basically like frybread, sopapillas, elephant ears. Delicious and completely unhealthy. This recipe includes my slightly healthy ingredients—not that it actually makes them healthy, but you at least feel slightly better about eating them. Best served with honey, jam, or the topping of your choice (some people like peanut butter, orange marmalade, powdered sugar, etc.).
These are not scones as the rest of the world knows them. I just call them Utah scones. They're basically like frybread, sopapillas, elephant ears. Delicious and completely unhealthy. This recipe includes my slightly healthy ingredients—not that it actually makes them healthy, but you at least feel slightly better about eating them. Best served with honey, jam, or the topping of your choice (some people like peanut butter, orange marmalade, powdered sugar, etc.).
- Carbohydrate 30.687981306406 g
- Cholesterol 0.816666666666667 mg
- Fat 0.740908148148148 g
- Fiber 3.666671239152 g
- Protein 4.80099861112945 g
- Saturated Fat 0.208555925925926 g
- Serving Size 1 1 'Utah' scones, 18 serving(s) (66g)
- Sodium 218.733547307507 mg
- Sugar 27.021310067254 g
- Trans Fat 0.17029787037037 g
- Calories 140 calories
Step-by-step
- Dissolve yeast in the 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Add the tablespoon of sugar to the yeast-water mixture and set aside.
- Beat the 3 eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
- Put honey, brown sugar, smart balance, and salt in a large bowl (preferably the bowl for your Kitchen-Aid mixer, if you have one).
- Add 1 cup boiling water to the large bowl (with the sugar, salt, etc.).
- Add the 3 beaten eggs to the large bowl and mix.
- Add the yeast mixture to the large bowl.
- Slowly add the flour to the large bowl while mixing.
- Continue beating the mixture with a mixer until smooth.
- Cover the bowl with a dish towel, and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate the dough until cold. (Sometimes it's nice to make the dough the night before, and finish them in the morning).
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4" thin (careful not to get any water on it, as water and deep-frying DO NOT MIX!).
- Heat oil with a high smoke point (peanut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, canola oil in a pinch) in a deep-fryer or electric skillet to around 350 degrees F.
- Make sure not to use olive oil, as it has a low smoke point and is not suited for deep-frying.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, if at all possible. (Make sure to have at least 2 inches of clearance between the top of the skillet and the top of the oil to allow room for bubbling).
- If your oil starts to smoke (and you'll know it if this happens! Oil smoke smells really nasty), turn off the heat, let the oil cool, then throw out the oil; it's no good.
- While oil is heating, cut the dough into pieces, 4-inch squares seem best to me, but you can make them smaller or larger.
- Fry the pieces of dough in the heated oil, preferably one at a time, until puffy and golden brown.
- Remove from oil using an all-metal utensil.
- Place on paper towels to cool, but serve warm with the topping of your choice.
Utah Scones: A Deep-Fried Delight
Let me tell you about my secret weapon for those days when a simple cookie just won't cut it—Utah scones. Now, before you picture dainty, crumbly pastries, let me clarify: these are nothing like the scones you're used to. These are deep-fried, golden-brown pillows of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Think frybread, sopapillas, elephant ears—all rolled into one gloriously unhealthy package. And yes, they are as addictive as they sound.
I call them Utah scones because, well, that’s what they’re known as here. It's a tradition, a comfort food, a little slice of heaven (or perhaps, a whole deep-fried heaven!). The first time I tasted these, it was love at first bite. That crispy exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy interior...it's a texture symphony in your mouth. And the best part? You can customize them with any topping your heart desires. Honey? Jam? Peanut butter? Orange marmalade? Powdered sugar? The possibilities are endless, each creating a unique and delightful experience.
The recipe itself is deceptively simple, yet the results are anything but. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when you combine basic ingredients with a bit of time and a whole lot of love (and a deep fryer, of course!). The slight “healthy” adjustments I’ve made (using whole wheat flour and a heart-healthy butter substitute) are more of a mental comfort than a true health boost, but hey, every little bit helps, right? It’s all about balance, and these scones, eaten in moderation, can definitely be a part of a balanced life. Trust me!
Making these scones is a great project for a lazy weekend or a fun activity to do with the family. The process is surprisingly therapeutic: kneading the dough, watching it rise, carefully frying each piece until golden perfection. It’s a sensory experience that engages all your senses. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water; a heady mix of warm bread, sweet honey, and that unmistakable scent of perfectly deep-fried dough.
Beyond the simple joy of creating something delicious, these Utah scones are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a casual gathering, a backyard barbecue, or even a special occasion. Serve them warm, straight from the fryer, and watch as they disappear in a matter of minutes. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone wanting more. And who can blame them? These aren't just scones; they're an experience. They're a taste of tradition, a comfort food, a sweet indulgence that perfectly balances crispy, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.
So, gather your ingredients, dust off your deep fryer (or electric skillet), and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure. Prepare for golden-brown perfection. Prepare for a taste of Utah. Prepare to be utterly, deliciously satisfied. Because these Utah scones are more than just a recipe; they’re a memory in the making. They're a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness, served up hot and ready to be devoured. And believe me, you’ll want to devour every single, glorious bite.
