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Denny’s Pancake Puppies with Cinnamon Sugar and Dipping Icing Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

Denny’s Pancake Puppies are delightful bite-sized treats made from a spiced pancake batter, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and served with a sweet vanilla or maple-flavored icing. This fun and easy dessert captures the classic flavors of pancakes in a playful, finger-food form that’s perfect for parties or a sweet snack.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Pancake Puppies:

  • 3 cups pancake mix (lightly scooped, do not pack)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons oil, plus more for frying
  • Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Dipping Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Pour several inches of oil into a deep saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature and prevent overheating.
  2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Add the beaten eggs, milk, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir gently until the mixture is just combined, creating a thick batter.
  3. Fry the pancake puppies: Using a spoon or small cookie scooper, drop generous teaspoons of batter into the hot oil. Be sure to keep the puppies small and avoid overcrowding by frying 3-4 at a time. This allows you to flip and cook them evenly.
  4. Cook evenly: Fry the puppies until golden brown on one side, then carefully flip them over to cook the other side. Maintain the oil temperature to ensure a crispy exterior without burning.
  5. Drain excess oil: Once cooked, transfer the pancake puppies to a paper towel-lined tray to drain off any excess grease. Repeat the frying process in small batches for best results.
  6. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, sprinkle the pancake puppies with cinnamon sugar to add a sweet, flavorful finish.
  7. Make the dipping icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla or maple extract until smooth and creamy.
  8. Serve: Serve the pancake puppies warm alongside the dipping icing for an irresistible sweet treat.

Notes

  • Be sure to keep oil at a steady 375°F to ensure crispy, golden puppies without absorbing too much oil.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to allow even cooking and easy flipping.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the icing by varying the amount of milk.
  • For a different flavor, try using maple extract instead of vanilla in the icing.
  • These are best served fresh and warm for optimal taste and texture.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American