Step 1: Gather Your Dry Ingredients

Let's start by combining our dry ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and sugar. This is where you can also add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon, or even some desiccated coconut if you like! Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste.

Step 2: Prepare Your Wet Ingredients

Now for the wet ingredients! In another bowl, lightly whisk the egg into the regular milk. (Psst! You can use coconut milk for a delicious twist if you prefer!)

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Time to bring them together! Create a little 'well' (a dip) in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the milk and egg mixture into this well. Slowly, from the inside out, mix everything together until it starts to form a sticky dough. Don't worry, it's supposed to look a bit messy at this stage!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Let's get kneading! Turn your dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 3-4 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it feels smooth and less sticky. This step helps develop the dough for that perfect texture!

Step 5: Let the Dough Rest

Give your dough a little break! Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean, damp cloth, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This rest period is super important for making your mandazis nice and soft.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Ready to roll? Lightly flour your work surface again. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it's about 1 centimeter (or half an inch) thick. Rolling it to this thickness will give you beautifully puffy mandazis!

Step 7: Cut the Mandazis

Now for the fun part – shaping! Using a sharp knife, cut your dough into your desired shapes – triangles or squares work wonderfully! Gently set these pieces aside; they're almost ready for their hot oil bath!

Step 8: Fry Your Mandazis

Time to get frying! Heat enough oil in a deep pot or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (you can test with a tiny piece of dough – it should sizzle), gently lower a few mandazi pieces into the oil. Don't overcrowd the pot! Fry them until they're a lovely light golden brown on one side, then flip them over to cook the other side until evenly golden. This usually takes just a couple of minutes per side.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Woohoo! Your homemade mandazis are ready! Serve them warm for a truly delightful treat, or enjoy them cold later. You did great!