Country Fair Scones: A Taste of Nostalgia

The aroma of frying dough, mingled with cinnamon and sugar, instantly transports me back to summer days spent wandering the county fair. As a kid, nothing was more exciting than spotting the “Elephant Ears” stand, the giant, golden discs of fried dough a siren call to my sweet tooth. Each bite was a perfect blend of crispy and chewy, warm and comforting – a simple pleasure that embodied the carefree spirit of summer. The slightly sticky fingers, the powdered sugar dusting my nose…those are the memories I cherish, and this recipe helps me recreate those moments at home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 24 scones (depending on size)
• Serves: 12-24
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 5 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup oil (vegetable or canola recommended)
• 12 cups flour (all-purpose)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Baking sheet lined with paper towels
• Rolling pin (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast begins to foam and bubble, indicating that it is active.
3. Add the salt and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour, a little at a time, until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all 12 cups of flour; add only enough until the dough is no longer sticky and forms a soft, pliable ball.
5. Mix the dough well, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
8. Break off pieces of dough about the size of an egg.
9. On a lightly floured surface, spread out each piece of dough evenly, using your hands or a rolling pin, until it is approximately ¼ inch thick. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic is part of the charm!
10. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the scones.
11. Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping once. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Remove the fried scones with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
13. Top the warm scones as desired. Traditional toppings include granulated sugar and cinnamon, powdered sugar and butter, or homemade fruit jams.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Temperature is key: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. Too hot and you’ll kill it; too cold, and it won’t activate.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix until just combined, and then knead gently.
• Control the oil temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the scones will brown too quickly on the outside and be raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
• Make ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Country Fair Scones immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They are delicious plain or topped with your favorite sweet treats.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. They are also delicious with homemade fruit jams or preserves.
• Storage: Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may become slightly softer.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked scones in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without toppings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Carbohydrates	60g	20%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	10g	–
Protein	7g	14%

Variations & Substitutions

• Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right consistency.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, in place of the water.
• Spiced: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Savory: Omit the sugar and add chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a savory version that pairs well with soups and stews.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: While these are traditionally fried, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. However, the texture will be different; they will be more like biscuits than the crispy, slightly chewy texture of fried scones.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky but still soft and pliable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this will make the scones tough.

Q: How do I keep the scones from getting greasy?
A: Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) before adding the dough. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Drain the fried scones on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Q: What are some other topping ideas?
A: Get creative! Try chocolate sauce, sprinkles, chopped nuts, fruit compote, or even a savory topping like cheese and bacon. The possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts

These Country Fair Scones, or Elephant Ears, are a simple yet satisfying treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking to recreate a taste of nostalgia or simply want a delicious and easy dessert, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature version. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. Perhaps pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!