Warm, golden, and coated with cinnamon sugar, these easy fry pies turn refrigerated biscuit dough into a delicious homemade treat. They are crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, and ready in only a few minutes.
Because the recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, it is perfect for family gatherings, weekend desserts, or whenever you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only four main ingredients
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Crispy outside with a soft, fluffy center
- No homemade pastry dough required
- Delicious with coffee, milk, or ice cream
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, containing 8 large biscuits
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 to 1½ cups vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
Kitchen Equipment
- Heavy skillet or medium saucepan
- Rolling pin
- Shallow bowl
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Cooking thermometer, recommended
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Fry Pies
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional salt in a shallow bowl. Place the mixture near the stove so it is ready when the fried dough comes out of the oil.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a heavy skillet to create a layer approximately ½ inch deep. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F or 175°C.
If you do not have a thermometer, carefully drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil. It should begin sizzling gently without burning immediately.
3. Shape the Biscuit Dough
Separate the refrigerated biscuits and place them on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten each biscuit into a circle approximately 4 to 5 inches wide.
Try to keep the thickness even so the dough cooks properly in the center.
4. Fry Until Golden
Carefully place two or three pieces of dough into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan because this can lower the oil temperature.
Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side. Turn each piece carefully and cook the second side for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the cooked fry pies with tongs or a slotted spoon. Let the excess oil drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate.
While they are still warm, place them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat both sides generously.
Continue frying and coating the remaining pieces of dough.
Important Frying Tips
Keep the oil close to 350°F. Oil that is not hot enough can make the dough greasy, while excessively hot oil may brown the outside before the center is fully cooked.
Always lower the dough into the oil carefully to avoid splashing. Never leave hot oil unattended, and allow it to cool completely before handling or disposing of it.
Optional Filled Fry Pies
You can easily transform this recipe into filled hand pies. Flatten each biscuit and place approximately one teaspoon of thick apple butter, jam, or fruit pie filling in the center.
Fold the dough into a half-moon shape, then press the edges together firmly with a fork. Make sure the pies are completely sealed before frying so the filling does not escape into the oil.
Avoid adding too much filling, as overfilled pies can split while cooking.
Flavor Variations
Powdered Sugar
Skip the cinnamon mixture and dust the freshly fried pies with powdered sugar.
Warm Fall Spice
Add a small pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar.
Smaller Bites
Divide each biscuit into two portions before flattening. Frying time may be slightly shorter, so watch them carefully.
Air-Fryer Option
Air-fry the flattened biscuit dough at 350°F until puffed and golden. Brush the cooked pieces lightly with melted butter before coating them with cinnamon sugar. The texture will be different from the fried version, but they will still be tasty.
Serving Suggestions
These fry pies taste best when served warm. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries or apple slices
- Warm caramel sauce
- Coffee, tea, or cold milk
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate them for up to three days.
For the best texture, reheat the fry pies in an oven or air fryer until warm and lightly crisp. Microwave reheating works quickly, but it will make the exterior softer.
