Touton is a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dish, often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. It consists of pan-fried dough, sometimes topped with molasses or syrup, offering a sweet and savory flavor.
Touton is a beloved, traditional dish from Newfoundland, Canada. This simple yet delicious food is essentially a fried dough, often served with sweet or savory toppings. It’s typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, making it a comforting and nostalgic dish for many Newfoundlanders. The dough is made from a basic combination of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast, which is then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside.
The most common way to serve toutons is by drizzling them with molasses or syrup, which enhances their rich, slightly sweet flavor. In some variations, toutons are served with butter, creating a rich and indulgent treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. For those looking for a savory twist, toutons can also be paired with bacon or other meats, though the sweet versions are by far the most popular.
This dish has deep roots in Newfoundland’s history and was originally made by the island’s early settlers using simple, readily available ingredients. It became an important part of the local diet, especially in rural areas where hearty, easy-to-make meals were essential. Toutons are often made in a pan on the stove, making them an accessible and quick option for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack.
Toutons can be enjoyed fresh from the pan or reheated later, making them a versatile dish for any time of day. Whether as a sweet indulgence or paired with savory accompaniments, toutons offer a comforting taste of Newfoundland’s culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup water warm
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine for frying
- to taste molasses or syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until smooth, for about 1-2 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small, flat rounds, about the size of a palm.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry each dough round until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve hot, topped with molasses or syrup as desired.
Nutrition
These are delicious! Just like my grandma used to make. I added some cinnamon for extra flavor! Yum!
Cinnamon? That’s a great idea! I never thought to add that. Thanks for sharing!
Totally loved it! Can’t wait to whip up another batch. Thanks for sharing!
This is the best touton recipe I’ve ever tried! Perfectly crispy and delicious. 5 stars!
These toutons are to die for! Reminds me of my grandma’s recipe. Will definitely make these again!
Is it supposed to be this doughy? Mine were like little balls of flour. Not impressed.
For a quick breakfast, this is a winner! Just dip in syrup. Yum!
Mmmm I love toutons! It’s what my grandma made us when we were kids. Takes me back!
Toutons are the best! I remember my grandma making them too. Just perfect with syrup!
I don’t see what’s so special about these. Honestly, they’re just fried dough. Not impressed.
But they have molasses, which makes them sweet and delicious! How can you not like that?
I think they’re amazing! Fried dough is a classic comfort food. 😋
Easy recipe! I didn’t have butter so I used oil, still turned out nice. Thanks for sharing!
So easy! I added some cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist. Yummm!
I had no idea what a touton was, but now I’m a fan!
I have a question. Can you use all whole wheat flour? Healthier right?
I tried making these, but my dough was super sticky. I think I added too much water. Anyone have tips?
Do you even have to fry these? Seems like a lot of work. Can’t you just bake them?
So good! Loved it with maple syrup! Yummy! 😋
Whats molasses? Can I use sugar? Help!
What’s molasses? Just use honey or syrup, sugar is too plain for this! Trust me, it’ll be better.
Molasses is a thick syrup made from sugarcane or sugar beets. You can use sugar but it won’t taste the same! Try finding molasses at the grocery store.
Don’t know why this is called touton. Seems more like a biscuit to me. Just sayin’! 😜
I mean, it’s definitely a stretch to call it a touton 😂 But it does sound tasty! Maybe it’s all in the toppings?
Biscuit or touton, who even cares? If it tastes good, that’s all that matters! 😋
So simple and good! Used maple syrup instead of molasses and it was amazing! Highly recommend!
5 stars for nostalgia, my grandma used to make these all the time!
That’s so sweet! I love the memories tied to food. Can’t wait to try making them myself.
Delicious! Just made it and my kids loved it. Will definitely make again!
I dunno, looks kinda easy but it seems like it could go wrong. Like, what if the dough doesn’t fry right?
So glad to hear that! It’s always a hit with kids! 😊
Touton? Never heard of it before. Sounds like a fancy pancake! Do you have to use butter, or can I use oil?
Wow! So easy and fluffy! I added some cinnamon to the batter, turned out great!
i made it b4 n it came out great! So easy to make. Love this recipe.
Mmm, tasty! My kids loved them. I used maple syrup instead of molasses and it was a hit!
Why do you even need to knead it? It seems like too much work for something that could be a flatbread. Not convinced.
But kneading ain’t that hard, it’s just a minute or two! You’ll get a much better flatbread if you do it.
Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, making it chewy and giving it a better texture. Trust me, it’s worth it for the taste!
These taste really good but I think I fried them too long. My fault! 😔
Touton? Never heard of it! Sounds weird. But my grandma used to make something like this with potato. What’s the point of frying? Can’t I bake them?
Touton is a classic! Frying gives it that crispy texture that baking just can’t match. You should try it, it’s really good with molasses!
I tried making these but they turned out too oily. Maybe I used too much butter.
Can I use oil instead of butter? I’m out of butter, and I don’t want to go to the store.
Yes, you can use oil instead of butter! It’s fine for frying, just use a little less than what the recipe calls for. Good luck!
I don’t know about oil. Butter is better, it gives flavor. Don’t skip the store!
What is molasses? Can I use honey instead? Confused!
Tasty treat! I added some cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor. Yum!
Cinnamon sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Took too long to make, like, who has time? But once they were done, they were not bad. 😜
I get it! Who has that much time? But they’re worth the wait, right? I just make em on weekends. 🥞
Easy recipe, but I feel like it could use more salt. Just a little bland.
I’m not a fan of syrups, so I just eat them plain, and they’re still sticky i guess.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Thought it would taste bland, but it was really good! 😍
Uhhh, I don’t get why people like these. They taste kinda bland to me. 😕
Quick and easy! Made them for breakfast, will definitely be making again. Yum!
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it myself. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this recipe and it didn’t turn out too well for me. The dough was so sticky even after adding more flour. 🤦♂️
I totally get that! Dough can be tricky sometimes, especially if the flour is too humid. Maybe try letting it rest a bit next time? Good luck!
Flour, water, butter – easy peasy! I missed the syrup though, what a miss!
But doesn’t it taste good without syrup too? Just saying, maybe try with some jam instead next time.
I agree! The syrup really makes it! I can’t believe you missed that part. It’s the best part! 😋
These were amazing! My kids loved them and I felt like a super chef. Thank you!
I tried it and it was too sticky, ended up in the trash. Not happy.
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try adding more flour next time? It can help with the stickiness!
These didn’t turn out for me. Maybe I mixed it wrong or something. Not sure if I’ll try again.
These are amazing! Just like my grandmother used to make. So easy and delicious!
These look good, but my grandma made them with eggs too. Are you sure this is how they are supposed to be? 🤔
I totally agree! There’s just something about these that brings back so many memories! Can’t wait to try this recipe myself.
Flour, water, fried? Sounds easy, but I didn’t get the golden brown part. Mine were burned!
Simple recipe. I’m not good at cooking but I could do this one!🙂
These turned out so good! I’ve never made them before, but my family loved them. Served with syrup, pure delight!
I didn’t have molasses so I used honey instead. Still turned out great!
Yum! Perfect with molasses! I made them as a brunch treat for my kids, and they wanted more!
Touton?! What is this? Sounds like a fancy pancake. Can you even eat it without the syrup?
I was hoping for something more flavorfull. they taste kinda bland. Maybe next time I’ll add some cinnamon?
Cinnamon sounds like a good idea! I usually add some vanilla for extra flavor. Maybe try that too?
Isn’t this just fried dough? Don’t see what’s so special about it. Not worth the hassle, honestly.
These toutons are the best! They came out perfect and crispy. I added some cinnamon to the mix for a sweet touch.
Can you use less butter? It’s good but kinda greasy.
OMG this was sooo easy and delicious! Just like my grandma used to make! 😍
Too much butter? My kitchen smelled like a diner, but they tasted okay. 🤷♂️
Maybe just a little less next time? I prefer it crispier!
I love butter! Adds flavor, don’t you think? 😋
Recipe is good but what’s the point of molasses? I used ketchup instead. Strange combo!
I get what you mean about molasses, but it’s supposed to add a nice flavor! Ketchup sounds odd though 😅.
I had a hard time with the dough. It was too sticky despite adding more flour. Not sure what I did wrong.
This is great but too much work for me. I just wanna eat, not knead dough. LOL. But how can I make it easier?
Nice recipe, but mine were a little doughy inside. Should I cook them longer?