Donut-Like Deep-Fried Loops or Schuerzkuchen

A donut-like dough is rolled out thin, cut into strips, slit lengthwise and looped through. It is then deep-fried and turned in sugar. I post this to answer a request. Haven't tried it, but it is from one of my most reliable German cookbooks. Never made anything from it that did not turn out good :). From "von der Recke, Gunhild et al.: Unser Backbuch No1, 1984".

• Ready In: 2 hrs 2 mins
• Serves: 4-8
• Yields: 40 loops

Ingredients

• 3  cups flour, plus
• 3  tablespoons flour (400 grams)
• 1 (1/4ounce) envelope dry yeast (7 grams)
• 3  tablespoons milk, lukewarm
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened (40 grams)
• 6  tablespoons sugar (75 grams)
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream (100 grams)
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  quart  oil (for frying)
• 3  tablespoons sugar, for coating

Directions

1. In a small bowl dissolve yeast in milk.
2. Put flour and cinnamon in another bowl; add milk, sugar, butter, eggs and sour cream.
3. Mix and knead for 5 minutes until a soft dough forms; if too soft add a little more flour.
4. Cover bowl with foil and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in volume; about 25 minutes.
5. Roll out dough 3/8 inch thick on a floured worktop; cut into rectangular 1 1/4 x 3 inch strips; make a lengthwise 2 inch cut into the center of each strip.
6. Now pull one small side of a strip completely through its center cut, causing the long sides to form two loops; you should have a rectangular shape with looped sides.
7. Let loops rise another 15 minutes in a warm place until doubled in volume.
8. Deepfry in batches at 350 F for 4-6 minutes, turning once until golden yellow (they will darken some more when removed from oil); drain on paper towels.
9. Turn in sugar while still hot.