Discover the irresistible taste of Koeksisters with this easy-to-follow recipe. These traditional South African treats are made from fried dough twisted into delightful shapes and soaked in a sweet syrup. Perfect for a special dessert or a festive occasion, Koeksisters offer a unique combination of crispy and syrupy goodness. Follow our step-by-step guide to make these delicious, golden-brown sweets at home.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 cup cold butter

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Syrup:

- 2 cups sugar

- 1 cup water

- 1/2 cup light corn syrup

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Syrup:

  - In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

  - Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Make the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

  - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Shape and Fry:

  - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

  - Cut the dough into strips, then twist each strip into a spiral or braid shape.

  - Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough twists in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Soak in Syrup:

  - While still warm, dip the fried dough twists into the cooled syrup, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess syrup to drain off.

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Let the Koeksisters cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these sweet, syrup-soaked treats as a delightful dessert or snack.

Nutritional values

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

 - Calories: About 364 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 76 grams

 - Protein: 10 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits: Flour is the base of the dough, providing carbohydrates for energy and some protein. It offers versatility in baking but should be consumed in moderation for a balanced diet.

Sugar (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: About 387 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Sugar adds sweetness and flavor to the dough. While it offers a quick energy source, it should be limited to avoid excessive sugar intake.

Baking Powder (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: About 53 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 28 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise, providing lightness and texture to the final product.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: About 38,000 mg

Benefits: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in baked goods. Helps activate the leavening agents.

1/4 cup cold butter

 - Calories: About 717 kcal

 - Fat: 81 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Butter provides richness and flavor to the dough. It also contributes to the dough's texture, making it flakier and more tender.

Milk (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: About 42 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

 - Protein: 3.4 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits: Milk adds moisture to the dough and contributes calcium, protein, and some fat. It helps create a soft, tender dough.

Large Egg (1)

 - Calories: About 155 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1.1 grams

 - Protein: 13 grams

 - Fat: 11 grams

Benefits: Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness to the dough. They also add protein and help bind the ingredients together.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 288 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 13 grams

 - Protein: 0.1 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dough.

Ingredients for the Syrup:

Sugar (2 cups)

 - Calories: About 387 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Provides sweetness and is the main component of the syrup. Should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Water (1 cup)

- 0 kcal

Benefits: Hydrates the syrup and helps dissolve the sugar to create a smooth consistency.

Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: About 286 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 71 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Corn syrup adds sweetness and prevents the sugar from crystallizing in the syrup, resulting in a smoother texture.

Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 29 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Lemon juice also helps stabilize the syrup.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 288 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 13 grams

 - Protein: 0.1 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the syrup and enhances the overall aroma and taste.

This combination of ingredients creates a dough that is rich, slightly sweet, and tender, while the syrup adds a sweet, smooth finish with a hint of vanilla and lemon. Both the dough and syrup are high in carbohydrates and sugars, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. The butter, milk, and egg in the dough contribute to its richness and texture, while the syrup provides the dish with a sweet and glossy glaze.