Beaver Tails have always been one of my favorite treats to get at fairs! Light and airy dough with a crispy exterior coated in sugar and cinnamon. If you have never had a classic Canadian Beaver Tail you are missing out! The dough is light and airy yet crispy and not overly sweet. The cinnamon sugar coating on the outside provides just the right amount of sweetness. A true Canadian Classic that can be found at every fair or carnival!
On a large plate, combine the coating ingredients (sugar and cinnamon), set aside. Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray, set aside.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the a dough hook, stir together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in the warm milk, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, egg, and oil.
Gradually add in the flour 1/2 cup at at time. Mix and scrap down the sides of the bowl after each addition. After all the flour has been added in, mix until a smooth dough ball forms.
Place the dough ball in the greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, approximately 30-45 minutes.
Place the risen dough on a floured flat surface (ex. kitchen counter) gently deflate and flatten into a rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 even pieces. Shape each piece into a thin oval (beaver tail shape). Use a sharp knife to carefully score the top of the beaver tails to create small square sections (to replicate a beaver tail).
Place the shaped beaver tails on a floured cookie sheet and cover with a lint free towel. Set aside to rise 10 minutes.
In a large skillet or deep pot, heat enough oil to come 2" up the sides on medium-high heat.
Working in batches, fry the beaver tails 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove from the oil, drain on a paper towel and then immediately dip in the cinnamon sugar mix. Set on a cooling rack to cool. Repeat with all beaver tails.