Name: Fluffy Buttery Mandazi
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 16 pieces
Cuisine: East African
Ingredients: 2 cups all‑purpose flour; 3 tablespoons sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 4 tablespoons butter; 1–2 cups milk; Pinch of salt; Oil for deep frying

Fluffy Buttery Mandazi are a delicious East African pastry that strikes the perfect balance between light, airy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Often referred to as “African doughnuts,” mandazi are deep-fried triangles or rounds of spiced dough, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a tea-time snack. This recipe takes the traditional version up a notch by adding a touch of butter to make each bite tender and melt-in-your-mouth good. Warm hints of cardamom or nutmeg can be added for an aromatic twist. Whether paired with a cup of chai or served on their own, these golden delights are irresistibly satisfying and simple to make at home. Ever tasted Mandazi so soft you want to disappear into the orgasmic motions in your mouth? No? Yeah, you need to try out these Mandazi, you wont want them any other way

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Flour

3 Tablespoons Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

4 Tablespoons Butter

1-2 Cups Milk

Pinch Salt

Oil for deep frying

METHOD

Add salt flour baking powder baking soda and sugar in bowl. Mix well. Add butter to mixture and rub until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add milk a little at a time and start kneading until smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest 30 minutes

Divide dough into four. Roll out one and cut your desired shape. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter

I love how cute the heart shaped cookie cutter makes these Mandazis appear

Cover with kitchen towel as you finish the rest

Heat oil in deep frying pan. Add a few at a time so that they can cook evenly

Fry until golden brown on both sides

Set on plate with kitchen paper towel to drain off excess oil

Mandazi came out so crumbly with a crispy top layer

How buttery does that Mandazi look on the inside though

I literally downed these butter Mandazi on their own without any drink lol!

Perfect for that special someone! I know its still early but you can make these for Valentines Day

You are the heart to my Mandazi ☺

I promise you, you will be making these delicious bitings as often as everyday!

FLUFFY BUTTERY MANDAZI

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 50 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Yield: 16 Pieces
Ingredients

2 Cups Flour
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
4 Tablespoons Butter
2 Cups Milk
Pinch Salt
2 Cups Vegetable Oil

Cooking Directions

Add salt flour baking powder baking soda and sugar in bowl. Mix well. Add butter to mixture and rub until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add milk a little at a time and start kneading until smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest 30 minutes
Divide dough into four. Roll out one and cut your desired shape. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter. I love how cute the heart shaped cookie cutter makes these Mandazis appear
Cover with kitchen towel as you finish the rest
Heat oil in deep frying pan. Add a few at a time so that they can cook evenly
Fry until golden brown on both sides. Set on plate with kitchen paper towel to drain off excess oil
Mandazi came out so crumbly with a crispy top layer. How buttery does that Mandazi look on the inside though

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Butter Mandazi (East African Doughnuts)

Soft, buttery mandazi with a golden crust — deliciously airy and fragrant.

FAQs

1. Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temp before rolling.

2. Can I bake mandazi?

They’re traditionally fried, but for a lighter version, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes. Texture will differ.

3. Why use butter instead of oil?

Butter adds a richer, more tender texture and flavor than oil.

Nutritional Card (Per 1 mandazi)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~210 kcal	Varies depending on frying and size.
Carbohydrates	28 g	Mainly from flour and sugar.
Fat	9 g	Includes oil absorption and butter.
Protein	3 g	From flour and optional egg.
Sugar	7 g	Adjust based on personal taste.
Fiber	1 g	Slight amount from flour.
Sodium	100 mg	From baking powder and salt.

Note: Nutritional info is estimated based on common ingredients.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Is It Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Fully plant-based if no egg is used.
Vegan	❌ No	Replace butter with vegan margarine & skip egg.
Gluten-Free	❌ No	Requires gluten-free flour substitute.
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	No nuts included.
Halal	✅ Yes	All ingredients are halal-friendly.