If you’ve ever craved authentic Italian zeppole but don’t want the hassle of making dough from scratch, this recipe is for you! With biscuit dough, a little oil, and a dusting of powdered sugar, you can create warm, fluffy Italian doughnuts in minutes.
Whether you’re serving them as a quick dessert, a festive holiday treat, or an indulgent snack, this shortcut easy zeppole recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Zeppole Recipe
- Quick & Simple: No yeast, no rising time, just roll, fry, and enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, store-bought biscuit dough.
- Versatile: Serve with chocolate dipping sauce, fill with ricotta for a traditional twist, or dust with cinnamon sugar.
- Perfect for Holidays: Great for Italian feasts, Christmas Eve, or anytime you want a sweet treat fast.
Ingredients
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in a saucepan or fryer)
- Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) for coating
- Optional: Ricotta cheese for filling or chocolate sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Dough
Break each biscuit in half and roll into small, round balls. Set them aside on a plate.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan to a depth of 2 inches. Or heat a deep fryer, whichever method you prefer. Heat to 350°F.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F for even frying.
3. Fry the Zeppole
Gently drop 4–5 dough balls into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning as needed until golden brown and puffed.
4. Drain & Cool
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
5. Coat & Serve
Place the warm zeppole in a paper bag with powdered sugar. Shake until evenly coated.
Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fill with ricotta for a traditional Italian flavor.
Tips for the Best Biscuit Dough Zeppole
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Keep Oil Hot: A steady temperature ensures light, fluffy zeppole, not greasy ones.
- Flavor Variations: Try cinnamon sugar, lemon zest, or vanilla glaze.
- Make Ahead: Fry, cool, and store in an airtight container; reheat in the oven before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Dip in Nutella or chocolate ganache
- Dust with cinnamon sugar for a fair-style treat
- Serve alongside espresso for an authentic Italian café vibe
- Stuff with ricotta cream or custard for a pastry-shop-worthy dessert
What are zeppole?
Zeppole are traditional Italian doughnuts made from fried dough, often dusted with powdered sugar and served during holidays like St. Joseph’s Day. This easy version swaps homemade dough for canned biscuit dough for a quick, fuss-free treat.
Can I use canned biscuits for zeppole?
Absolutely! Canned biscuit dough is a perfect shortcut. It fries up fluffy and golden, just like traditional zeppole.
How do I store leftover zeppole?
Zeppole taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
Can I make zeppole in an air fryer?
Yes! Spray dough balls lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
More Easy Recipes Using Biscuit Dough
- Canned Biscuit Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Canned Biscuit Cream Cheese Danishes
- Garlic Knots With Biscuit Dough
- Monkey Bread from Biscuit Dough
- Easy Canned Biscuit Donut Recipe
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Easy Zeppole With Biscuit Dough
Make Italian zeppole in minutes with canned biscuit dough! Crispy fried dough balls coated in powdered sugar for an easy Italian doughnut.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Break biscuit dough into halves and roll into balls.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep saucepan.
- Fry 4–5 dough balls at a time for 2–3 minutes, turning until golden.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Place in a paper bag with powdered sugar, shake to coat, and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
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