Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • neutral oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball of dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating quickly until the mixture is glossy and velvety. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  4. Fill a pot with 2-3 inches of neutral oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Pipe 1-inch lengths of dough directly into the oil, snipping the ends with scissors.
  6. Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach a deep mahogany-gold color.
  7. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a brown paper bag or bowl.
  8. Remove poppers with a slotted spoon, drain for 5 seconds on a paper towel, and immediately toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot.