Sweets and Desserts

Christmas Dreams

Light fried dough, golden and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

Region / OccasionNational / Christmas
DifficultyMedium
Total Time55 min
Yield28 units
Photo of Christmas Dreams - traditional Portuguese sweet
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family, and cook.

About the Recipe

Christmas Dreams are traditional fried pastries for Portuguese festive tables.

The dough rises in the oil, creating light balls that are coated with sugar and cinnamon while still warm.

Ingredients

  • 250 ml of water
  • 70 g of butter
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 180 g of flour
  • 4 eggs
  • Oil for frying
  • Sugar and cinnamon

Preparation Method

  1. Boil water, butter, and salt.
  2. Add the flour all at once and stir until it pulls away from the pan.
  3. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Incorporate the eggs one at a time.
  5. Fry small portions in medium oil.
  6. Coat in sugar with cinnamon.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Very hot oil browns before cooking inside.
  • Eggs should be added gradually.
  • Serve on the same day.

Possible Substitutions in Brazil

  • Lemon zest can flavor the dough.
  • Cinnamon can be served on the side.

Pairing

Coffee or herbal tea. No mandatory alcoholic beverage.

Editorial Note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like all traditional recipes, it may vary according to region, family, and cook.

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