Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears

 

Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears: A Sweet Carnival Classic You Can Make at Home

Few treats spark childhood memories and pure joy like Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears. Crispy, golden, buttery, and generously coated in cinnamon and sugar, these flaky pastries bring all the magic of a fair or carnival right into your own kitchen.

Whether you remember biting into one at a summer festival or you're introducing them to your kids for the first time, this easy recipe captures the sweet, cinnamon-swirled nostalgia in every bite. And the best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients!

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🐘 What Are Elephant Ears?

“Elephant Ears” get their name from their large, round shape that resembles the ears of an elephant. They’re a type of fried or baked pastry, known for being thin, crispy on the edges, and soft in the middle — kind of like a mix between a doughnut and a sweet flatbread.

This homemade version is baked (or lightly fried, if you prefer) and coated in cinnamon sugar, making it just as good — if not better — than the ones from the fair.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably already have everything in your pantry!

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

🍯 Bonus tip: You can drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat!

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Roll it out slightly to even out the folds and get a more rounded shape.

Step 3: Brush with Butter & Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Brush the melted butter over the pastry, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 4: Shape Like an Ear

Fold two sides of the pastry inward so they meet in the center. Fold them inward again, then slice into ½-inch thick pieces. You can gently flatten them with your hand or a rolling pin to resemble a flat "ear" shape.

Step 5: Bake

Place on the baking sheet, cut side up and spaced apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

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🧁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Only 5 ingredients

• ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes

• ✅ Kid-friendly and fun to make

• ✅ Tastes just like the fair — without the lines or sticky fingers

• ✅ Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack

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☕ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Pack in school lunches or as an afternoon treat

• Make a batch for weekend brunch or a cozy movie night

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📝 Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears are proof that the best things in life are simple — just a bit of pastry, butter, sugar, and spice. Whether you're reminiscing about summer carnivals or just looking for a quick sweet fix, this recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort.

Trust us — one bite and you’ll want to make these again and again. 🐘💛