Homemade Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter: An Irresistible Sweet Treat Recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of soft, pillowy, golden-fried dough, still warm from the oil, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and generously slathered with rich, fragrant cinnamon honey butter. This isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Known by many names, from the classic “fry bread” across North America to a regional “scone” in places like Utah, this simple yet profoundly satisfying delicacy offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that captivates anyone who tries it.
At its heart, fry bread is a humble dish: a basic dough, typically made with flour, leavening, and water, rolled or stretched thin and then deep-fried until it achieves that iconic golden hue and slightly crisp outer layer, while remaining wonderfully soft and airy inside. Its versatility allows it to be served either sweet or savory, making it a staple in many households and cultural gatherings. However, for a truly transcendent experience, a dusting of powdered sugar paired with a luscious smear of homemade cinnamon honey butter is simply unbeatable. Sweet, with hints of spice and the comforting richness of butter and honey, it transforms this simple bread into an extraordinary dessert.
Table of Contents
- The Origin and Charm of Fry Bread
- Why Cinnamon Honey Butter is the Perfect Pairing
- Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Batch
- How to Make Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Essential Deep Frying Tips for Success
- Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead?
- Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
- More Delicious Recipes Like This
- Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe
The Origin and Charm of Fry Bread
Fry bread, or frybread, is a cornerstone of North American cuisine, deeply rooted in Native American culture and history. While the specific origins vary among tribes, it generally emerged as a result of government-provided rations, often including flour, sugar, salt, and lard, which Native American communities ingeniously transformed into this resilient and comforting dish. Today, it’s a symbol of cultural resilience and a beloved comfort food, often served at powwows, festivals, and family gatherings across the continent. Its simple composition and ease of preparation have contributed to its widespread appeal.
The beauty of fry bread lies in its simplicity. It’s not a complicated dough with multiple rises or intricate shaping. Instead, it’s about a handful of pantry staples coming together to create something truly magical. The quick deep-frying process gives it a unique texture profile: a slightly crispy, chewy exterior yielding to a tender, fluffy interior. Whether you call it fry bread, a scone (as is common in Utah), or by another regional name, the core essence remains the same: a warm, satisfying piece of fried dough that serves as a delicious canvas for a multitude of toppings, both sweet and savory.
Why Cinnamon Honey Butter is the Perfect Pairing
While fry bread can be enjoyed in countless ways, the combination with cinnamon honey butter is truly a match made in culinary heaven. The warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon perfectly complements the rich sweetness of honey, all whipped into a creamy, spreadable butter. When spread over a hot piece of fry bread, the butter melts slightly, infusing every bite with a luxurious, sweet, and subtly spicy flavor. This pairing elevates the humble fry bread into a decadent dessert, perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent treat any time of day. It’s a combination that appeals to almost everyone, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Batch
Ready to whip up a batch of this irresistible fry bread with cinnamon honey butter? You’ll be delighted to find that the ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry. We’re looking for simple, accessible components that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need (with the full detailed recipe card below):
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Butter: Used in both the dough for tenderness and, crucially, for the rich cinnamon honey butter. For the dough, melted butter adds moisture and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for that classic, delicate dusting on the finished fry bread, adding instant sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: A touch in the dough helps with browning and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Honey: The star of our butter, providing natural sweetness and a unique floral note.
- Baking powder: Our leavening agent, responsible for the bread’s airy, fluffy texture. This makes it a quick bread, unlike yeast-risen versions.
- Ground cinnamon: The key spice in our honey butter, delivering warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Salt: A pinch in both the dough and the butter to enhance all the other flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Warm water: To bring the dough together, ensuring it’s moist and pliable for easy handling.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is crucial for deep-frying to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
How to Make Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter
Making homemade fry bread might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to deep frying. However, this recipe is incredibly straightforward and yields fantastic results with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for perfectly soft, golden fry bread every time, accompanied by that divine cinnamon honey butter.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt). Whisk them well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Then, gradually add the warm water and melted butter. Use a sturdy spoon or a spatula to mix everything together until a wet, shaggy dough forms. It should be moist but not overly sticky. If it feels too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This resting period is crucial for the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender and pliable dough.
- Make cinnamon honey butter: While your dough is resting, prepare the star topping. In a separate bowl, combine room temperature butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer (or by hand with a whisk), beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. Make sure there are no lumps of butter. Keep this delicious butter at room temperature so it stays easily spreadable.
- Shape dough: Once the dough has rested, lightly flour your hands, a clean work surface, and a rolling pin. Pinch off rounded tablespoon-sized pieces of dough. Don’t worry about being too precise with measurements; rustic shapes add to the charm of homemade fry bread. Roll each piece out to about ¼-inch thick. You can also gently stretch and pull the dough with your hands to achieve the desired thickness and shape.
- Fry in batches: Heat your chosen frying oil (vegetable oil or another neutral oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot or a wide skillet to 375°F (190°C). A thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature control. Carefully place 2-3 pieces of shaped dough into the hot oil at a time, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The bread should puff up slightly and develop a lightly crisp crust.
- Drain: Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, carefully transfer the fried bread pieces to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil, ensuring your fry bread isn’t greasy.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy hot: While the fry bread is still warm, lightly dust it with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Serve immediately with your freshly made cinnamon honey butter. Guests can either dip the warm bread into the butter or spread it generously on top. The experience of hot fry bread with melting, sweet butter is truly unparalleled!
baking tip:Deep Frying Tips for Perfect Fry Bread
Deep frying can seem daunting, but with a few key tips, you’ll master it in no time. Safety and temperature control are paramount for delicious results.
- Choose the Right Pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven. Its thick walls distribute heat evenly and help maintain a consistent oil temperature.
- Sufficient Oil Depth: Fill the pot with at least 3 inches of oil. This ensures that the fry bread pieces can float and cook evenly without sticking to the bottom or each other.
- Temperature Control is Key: Always use a thermometer to monitor your oil’s exact temperature. The ideal temperature for fry bread is 375°F (190°C). Adjust the heat as needed to maintain this temperature throughout the frying process.
- Avoid Overheating or Underheating: If the oil is too cool, your fry bread will take longer to cook and absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy texture. If the oil is too hot, the exterior will brown too quickly, leaving the inside raw.
- Work in Batches: Never overcrowd the pot. Frying too many pieces at once will drastically lower the oil’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture. Fry 2-3 pieces at a time to keep the temperature stable.
- Protect Yourself: Deep frying involves hot oil, so safety is important. Wear an apron to protect your clothing from any splatters, and use long-handled tongs or a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully flip the bread and remove it from the oil.
- Proper Oil Disposal: Once you’re done frying, turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool completely to room temperature. Never pour hot oil down the drain. Once cool, pour it through a funnel into a sealable container and discard it in the trash, or save it for future frying if it’s still clean.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead?
Planning ahead for your delicious fry bread can save you time, but it’s important to know what aspects of the recipe store well and which are best made fresh.
- Cinnamon Honey Butter: Absolutely! The honey butter is an excellent component to prepare in advance. You can whip it up several days, or even a few weeks, before you plan to serve it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or gently warm it slightly, so it becomes soft and spreadable again.
- Fry Bread Dough: Unfortunately, the dough itself is not ideal for making far ahead. This recipe uses baking powder as its leavening agent, which starts to react as soon as it comes into contact with liquid. Over time, the baking powder will lose its leavening power, resulting in flatter, denser fry bread. For the fluffiest, lightest texture, it’s best to fry the bread no more than 1-2 hours after you’ve mixed the dough. You can cover the dough and let it rest for up to 2 hours at room temperature, but avoid refrigerating it overnight.
- Cooked Fry Bread: While best enjoyed fresh and hot, leftover fry bread can be stored. Place cooled fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a microwave for a few seconds, or for a crispier exterior, re-fry it quickly in a skillet with a little oil, or bake it in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This recipe focuses on the beloved sweet version of fry bread, perfect with cinnamon honey butter and powdered sugar. However, the versatility of fry bread allows for endless creative serving options. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Sweet Variations:
- Fruit Toppings: Drizzle with fresh berry compote, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples with cinnamon.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a generous dollop of Nutella, melted chocolate, or chocolate syrup.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Top warm fry bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and chopped nuts for an indulgent dessert.
- Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, especially if you prefer a less sweet option than honey butter.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the rich fried dough.
Savory Variations (Fry Bread Tacos & More!):
Fry bread is also incredibly popular as a savory dish, often referred to as “Fry Bread Tacos” or “Indian Tacos.” For a savory take:
- Fry Bread Tacos: Top a warm piece of fry bread with seasoned ground beef or turkey, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Chili and Cheese: Ladle a generous serving of chili over fry bread and melt some shredded cheese on top.
- Beans and Salsa: For a vegetarian option, top with refried beans, corn salsa, and avocado.
- As a Side: Simply serve plain alongside savory stews, soups, or grilled meats to soak up delicious sauces.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this homemade fry bread promises to be a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this golden treat and savor every delicious bite!
More Delicious Recipes Like This
If you loved making and eating this fry bread, you might enjoy exploring other delicious fried or sweet dough recipes. Here are some recommendations:
- Sourdough Apple Fritters: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with chunks of sweet apple.
- Yeast-Raised Doughnuts: Learn to make classic fluffy doughnuts with various glaze options.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Pretzel Bites: Chewy, sweet, and perfectly pop-able treats.
This recipe was originally published October 2011, and has been updated for clarity and enhanced instructions.
Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe
Fry Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- ¾-1 cup (200-250 ml) warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar
Cinnamon Honey Butter:
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter , at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Add the melted butter and ¾ cup warm water. Stir with a spoon until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. The dough should feel moist but not overly sticky. If it seems too dry, add additional warm water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least one hour. This rest is essential for hydration and tenderness.
-
Pour enough vegetable oil into a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven so that it’s at least 2 inches deep. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Insert a deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil to precisely 375°F (190°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial for preventing greasy or burnt fry bread.
-
While the oil is heating, prepare your dough for frying. Lightly flour your hands, a clean work surface, and a rolling pin. Pinch off tablespoon-sized balls of dough (aim for consistency, but don’t stress over perfection). Roll each ball out on the floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. If preferred, you can also gently stretch and pull the dough with your hands to thin it out.
-
Carefully place 2 or 3 pieces of the rolled dough into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature too quickly. Cook each piece for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and puffs up. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the bread. Once cooked, remove the fry bread from the oil and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
Generously sprinkle the warm fry bread with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Serve immediately while hot, alongside your prepared cinnamon honey butter or any other desired topping.
To make the cinnamon honey butter:
-
In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and coarse salt. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat all ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Ensure there are no butter lumps. Store any leftover cinnamon honey butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best spreadability.
Video