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Nigerian Chin Chin is a popular West African snack known for its crunchy, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. These bite-sized fried dough pieces are similar to shortbread cookies but crispier! Perfect for snacking, festive celebrations, or pairing with tea, this Nigerian Chin Chin recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your preferred crunch level—light and golden or deep brown and extra crispy!
Crispy, Buttery & Perfectly Sweet!
Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Chin Chin Recipe
Perfectly Crunchy & Buttery – The ideal balance of crispiness and sweetness.
100% Homemade & Fresh – No preservatives or artificial flavors.
Easy to Customize – Make it softer or crunchier based on your preference.
Stays Fresh for Weeks – Store it in an airtight container and enjoy anytime!
Great for Holidays & Gatherings – A favorite snack in Nigerian homes!
Nigerian Chin Chin Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Dough:
🥣 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted) – The base of the dough.
🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed) – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
🍚 1 cup sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness.
🥚 2 large egg – Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
🥛 1 can evaporated milk (Peak milk or any milk of choice) – Enhances richness.
🛑 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the dough puff slightly when fried.
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
🌰 ½ teaspoon nutmeg – Traditional spice that adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
✨ 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crunch) – Helps create an even crispier texture.
💦 Water (as needed, to adjust dough consistency).
For Frying:
🥄 Sunflower or vegetable oil – For deep frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
✅ Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl.
✅ Add cornstarch (if using), sugar, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg.
✅ Whisk all dry ingredients together until evenly combined.
Pro Tip: Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and makes the dough smooth!
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
✅ Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
✅ Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks crumbly.
Why This Step Matters? The butter gives Chin Chin its buttery, rich texture!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients & Form Dough
✅ Crack the egg into the flour mixture.
✅ Add the evaporated milk and mix well using a spoon or your hands.
✅ Gradually add small amounts of water (if needed) to form a soft but firm dough.
✅ Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth but not sticky.
Pro Tip: A soft, non-sticky dough makes the perfect crispy Chin Chin.
Step 4: Roll & Cut the Dough
✅ Transfer the dough to a clean, dry work surface (no need to dust with flour if dough is well-kneaded).
✅ Divide the dough into two portions for easy handling.
✅ Roll out the first portion into a thin, even layer using a rolling pin.
✅ Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small squares or strips (traditional Chin Chin shape).
Want Extra Crunch? Roll the dough extra thin before cutting!
Step 5: Fry the Chin Chin
✅ Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
✅ Test the oil by dropping one piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
✅ Gently drop the cut dough pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches.
✅ Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
✅ Fry until golden brown for a softer crunch, or deep brown for extra crispy texture.
✅ Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Pro Tip: Stir constantly while frying to prevent Chin Chin from clumping together.
Step 6: Cool, Serve & Store
✅ Allow the Chin Chin to cool completely before storing.
✅ Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain crispiness.
✅ Serve and enjoy as a snack with tea, coffee, or cold beverages!
Want Extra Sweetness? Dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Perfect Pair With ☕🍵
🍵 Nigerian Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Tea) – A refreshing, tangy contrast to sweet Chin Chin.
☕ Hot Chocolate or Coffee – Dunking Chin Chin in a warm drink = perfection!
🥤 Chapman Cocktail (Nigerian Mocktail) – A citrusy, fizzy delight.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Pair with ice cream for a crunchy, creamy combo!
Amazon Finds: Essential Chin Chin Tools 🔗
✔ Mixing Bowl Set – Ideal for combining ingredients with ease.
✔ Rolling Pin – For perfectly even dough rolling.
✔ Pizza Cutter – Makes cutting the dough quick & easy.
✔ Deep Frying Pan – A must-have for perfect frying.
✔ Slotted Spoon – Helps drain excess oil quickly.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Sugar: 9g
Healthier Version? Bake instead of frying at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chin Chin
For Extra Crunch – Add cornstarch and roll the dough thinly before cutting.
For a Softer Texture – Roll the dough slightly thicker and fry until just golden.
For Extra Flavor – Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cardamom to the dough!
Oil Temperature Matters – Ensure oil is hot but not smoking. Too hot? Chin Chin burns. Too cool? It absorbs too much oil.
Even Cooking – Stir frequently while frying to prevent pieces from sticking together.
Final Thoughts
This Nigerian Chin Chin recipe is a crispy, buttery, and slightly sweet snack that’s perfect for sharing! Whether you enjoy it on its own, with tea, or at festive gatherings, these homemade Chin Chin bites will quickly disappear from the table.
✨ Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Nigeria to your home! 🇳🇬✨
Now It’s Your Turn!
Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out!
Share with family & friends who love African cuisine!
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Enjoy your crunchy, golden, and irresistible Chin Chin! 🍪✨
Nigerian Chin Chin – Crunchy & Sweet Fried Dough Bites 🇳🇬
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza cutter or knife
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 can evaporated milk (Peak milk or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crunch)
- Water (as needed, to adjust dough consistency)
- Sunflower or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredientsv
- Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Add cornstarch (if using), sugar, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg.
- Whisk all dry ingredients together until evenly combined.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
- Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks crumbly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Crack the egg into the flour mixture and add the evaporated milk.
- Mix well using a spoon or your hands. Gradually add small amounts of water (if needed) to form a soft but firm dough.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth but not sticky.
Step 4: Roll & Cut the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a clean, dry work surface (no need to dust with flour if dough is well-kneaded).
- Divide the dough into two portions for easy handling.
- Roll out the first portion into a thin, even layer using a rolling pin.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small squares or strips (traditional chin chin shape).
Step 5: Fry the Chin Chin
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Test the oil by dropping one piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
- Gently drop the cut dough pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches.
- Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Fry until golden brown for a softer crunch, or deep brown for extra crispy texture.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve & Store
- Allow the Chin Chin to cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain crispiness.
- Enjoy as a snack with tea, coffee, or cold beverages!
Notes
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chin Chin
✔ For Extra Crunch: Add cornstarch and roll the dough thinly before cutting.✔ For a Softer Texture: Roll the dough slightly thicker and fry until just golden.
✔ Flavor Boost: Try adding cinnamon or vanilla extract for a unique twist.
✔ Frying Temperature: Ensure oil is hot but not smoking—too hot, and the Chin Chin burns; too cool, and it absorbs too much oil.
✔ Even Cooking: Stir frequently while frying to prevent pieces from sticking together.