Orejas de Carnaval (Spanish Carnival Fried Pastries)

Orejas de Carnaval, also known as “Carnival Ears,” are a traditional Spanish fried pastry enjoyed during Carnival season. These thin, crispy, golden treats are lightly sweet, delicately flavored with citrus and anise, and dusted generously with sugar.

This authentic Orejas de Carnaval recipe is simple to make and delivers irresistibly crunchy results — perfect for festive celebrations or whenever you crave a classic Spanish dessert.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love These Spanish Carnival Pastries

• 🎭 Traditional holiday dessert from Spain

• ✨ Light, crispy, and perfectly golden

• 🍋 Subtle citrus aroma for fresh flavor

• 🍩 Quick and easy fried dough recipe

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Great for sharing at parties and gatherings

These crispy fried dough pastries are similar to delicate fritters but thinner and crunchier.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon anise liqueur (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange

• A pinch of salt

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Orejas de Carnaval

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add egg, milk, melted butter, citrus zest, and anise liqueur. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Knead lightly on a floured surface until elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

2️⃣ Roll and Shape

Roll the dough very thin (almost paper-thin). Cut into irregular oval or ear-shaped pieces.

3️⃣ Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry each piece for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4️⃣ Dust with Sugar

While still warm, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Spanish Carnival fried pastries are best enjoyed:

✔ Fresh and warm
✔ With hot chocolate or coffee
✔ As part of a festive dessert table
✔ Drizzled lightly with honey for extra sweetness

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💡 Tips for Perfect Carnival Pastries

• Roll the dough as thin as possible for maximum crispiness.

• Maintain consistent oil temperature to prevent sogginess.

• Add orange zest for a sweeter citrus aroma.

• Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.