Best Portuguese Dessert Recipes: Homemade Sonhos for Any Occasion

In a medium bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.

Add enough mild vegetable oil to a wide saucepan or Dutch oven to reach a depth of 3 inches (8 cm). Warm the oil over medium-low heat until it registers 300°F (150°C).

Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop or a rounded teaspoon measuring spoon, carefully drop a few globs of dough in the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan as these little suckers really puff up!

The sonhos will quickly float to the surface. Fry until golden, turning them as needed so they cook evenly, 6 to 8 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sonhos to paper towels or a brown paper sack to drain for a few moments.

Toss the hot sonhos in the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cinnamon sugar

Serve while still hot—maybe even while standing at the counter in the kitchen—whether plain or with honey, jam, or caramel.