Fluffy donuts

Fluffy Doughnuts: The Perfect Treat for Indulgent Moments

When it comes to sweets, doughnuts are definitely one of the most beloved options. Whether you enjoy them in the morning with a cup of coffee or offer them to the kids in the afternoon, these fluffy doughnuts will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Inspired by a classic recipe I discovered a few years ago, these doughnuts are so easy to make that my little boy, Rares, could eat them non-stop. Let’s see how we can transform simple ingredients into these delicious fluffy doughnuts!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 30-35 doughnuts

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 whole eggs + 1 yolk
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast (1 cube)
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Oil for frying (approximately 1 liter)

Step by step: Preparing the fluffy doughnuts

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a hole in the center, like a small crater. Here, add the lukewarm milk (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast), the fresh yeast, one tablespoon of sugar, and gently mix. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast starts bubbling.

2. Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast has risen, add the eggs (making sure they are well beaten beforehand), the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and the grated lemon zest. Mix with a wooden spoon, pouring the lukewarm milk in a thin stream until all the ingredients are combined.

3. Knead the dough: It’s time to get our hands a little dirty! Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. It’s important to dust your hands with flour, but carefully, so as not to add too much, otherwise the doughnuts won’t be fluffy.

4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30 minutes, or until its volume doubles.

5. Shape the doughnuts: After the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using the rim of a floured glass, cut circles from the dough and place them on a tray. Cover the formed circles with a towel and let them rise for another 10 minutes.

6. Fry the doughnuts: In a deep pot or pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot (about 175°C), carefully place the doughnuts in one by one. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan! The doughnuts will puff up and brown quickly. Frying on low heat is essential for fluffy and well-cooked doughnuts.

7. Finishing: Once they are nicely browned on both sides, remove the doughnuts onto paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Let them cool slightly, then dust with vanilla sugar.

Serving suggestions: Fluffy doughnuts are delicious on their own, but can also be served with various toppings like jam, melted chocolate, or whipped cream. A unique variation would be to fill them with vanilla cream or sweet cheese for an even more delightful experience!

Useful tips and variations:
- If you want to experiment, add a few drops of rum or orange essence to the dough for extra flavor.
- You can replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a different aroma.
- The doughnuts can also be glazed with chocolate or decorated with nuts and seeds for a more festive appearance.

Nutritional information: One doughnut contains approximately 120 calories, but this number can vary depending on the oil used and toppings. These doughnuts are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the flour and eggs.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why is it important to let the dough rise? Rising helps develop gluten, which makes the doughnuts fluffy and airy.
2. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, but you will need to adjust the quantity (about 7 g of dry yeast for a 25 g cube of fresh yeast).
3. How can I store the doughnuts? They are best enjoyed fresh, but if any are left, they can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

I hope you will try this fluffy doughnut recipe and enjoy them as much as Rares and I do! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour; 3 tablespoons of sugar; 2 whole eggs + 1 yolk; 200 ml lukewarm milk; 25 g yeast (1 cube); 3 packets of vanilla sugar; a pinch of salt; grated zest of one lemon; powdered sugar (for decoration); oil (enough for frying)

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