There’s something magical about rainy afternoons and the smell of something sweet frying in the kitchen.
For many of us, that comforting scent came from grandma’s famous fried dough balls, affectionately known in many cultures as “rainy day snacks.”
Whether you called them sugar donuts, fritters, or bolinhos de chuva, these sugar-dusted delights were golden, crispy, and made with love.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make this nostalgic treat from scratch, with tips passed down from grandmas around the world.
Why Fried Dough Balls Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Simple to make and quick to cook, fried dough balls were the go-to recipe for grandmas on rainy afternoons when something warm and sweet was just what everyone needed. They required no special equipment, just pantry staples and a frying pan.
They’re more than just dessert — they’re a memory in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These fried treats come together in minutes with basic ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
- Sugar and cinnamon for coating
How to Make Grandma’s Fried Dough Balls
1. Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and slightly foamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then stir to combine.
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a thick, sticky batter forms.
Tip: The batter should be thick enough to scoop with a spoon but soft enough to drop easily into oil.
2. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or medium-sized pot, heat about 2–3 inches of oil over medium heat. The ideal frying temperature is 170–180°C (340–355°F). You can test it by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil — it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
3. Fry the Dough Balls
Use two spoons or an ice cream scoop to drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 5–6 at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and puffed.
4. Drain and Dust
Remove the dough balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
While still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that classic sweet coating.
Variations on Grandma’s Fried Dough Balls
Want to get creative? Try these delicious twists:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the batter
- Fill with soft fruit pieces like banana or apple
- Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce before serving
Perfect Moments for These Treats
These are best enjoyed:
- On rainy or cold afternoons
- As a treat with hot cocoa or spiced tea
- Served with fresh fruit or a dollop of jam
- During family movie night or game day
Why These Treats Endure
They’re fast, they’re sweet, and they bring people together. Whether you’re a grandchild learning to make them for the first time or an adult passing on the tradition, fried dough balls are a celebration of simplicity and warmth.
Every family has its own spin on the recipe — some lighter, some crispier, some stuffed — but the love behind them is always the same.
A Delicious Way to Relive Childhood
Cooking these dough balls is like flipping through an edible photo album. Each batch comes with memories, laughter, and a little bit of sugar on your fingertips.
So the next time it rains, instead of reaching for a snack, head to the kitchen. Whip up a batch of these deliciously simple fried dough balls and bring grandma’s love to life.