Oven-baked cheese doughnuts

Cottage Cheese Donuts – a delicious and easy-to-make recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Proofing time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Cottage cheese donuts are sweet, fluffy, and aromatic snacks, perfect for breakfast, a snack between meals, or even as dessert. These delights are easy to make and will bring a touch of joy to your day. Additionally, they are a healthier choice, considering the natural ingredients you use. Here’s how to prepare these wonderful donuts step by step.

Ingredients

- 225 g cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough)
- 100 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 250 g flour (preferably type 000 or 550 for a finer texture)
- 50 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 12 g fresh yeast (or 4 g dry yeast)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (you can also use natural vanilla for a more intense flavor)
- Zest of one lemon (to add a fresh note)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, but recommended for a richer taste)

Preparing the donuts

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in lukewarm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Mix the dry ingredients well. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the milk-yeast mixture, cottage cheese, and vanilla essence.

3. Kneading: Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until the dough starts to come together. Then, knead it for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Proofing: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour. This is when the dough will rise beautifully and become fluffy.

5. Shaping the donuts: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Transfer the dough and roll it out with your hands to about 1.5 cm thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the donuts. You can play with shapes, as I did with my daughter, but I recommend making them larger to fully enjoy these delights.

6. Another proofing: Place the cut donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them proof again in a warm place for 20-25 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. When the donuts have risen, place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until they turn golden. Be careful, as each oven is different, so watch to ensure they don’t brown too much.

8. Finishing: Once the donuts are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust them generously with vanilla sugar for added flavor.

Serving suggestions and variations

These cottage cheese donuts are delicious and simple, but you can customize them according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

- Add fruits: You can incorporate pieces of apples or raisins into the dough for extra flavor.
- Fillings: If you want to turn them into filled donuts, you can add jam or chocolate in the center before baking.
- Serving: Donuts are excellent served warm, alongside a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Useful tips

- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. You can check this by mixing it with the milk; if it becomes frothy, it’s good to use.
- Flour: Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, to create a healthier version.
- Storage: Donuts can be kept in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it’s best to consume them fresh.

Nutritional benefits

These cottage cheese donuts are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, and the sugar can be adjusted to reduce caloric intake. The flour provides essential carbohydrates for energy, and the lemon zest adds a dose of vitamin C. A serving of donuts has about 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but the donuts will be less creamy.
- What can I do with leftover donuts? You can turn them into powdered sugar and use them as a base for a parfait with yogurt and fruits.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, donuts can be frozen, but make sure to place them in an airtight container.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, and the result will surely please everyone. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 225 g cottage cheese, 100 ml milk, 250 g flour, 50 g sugar, 12 g fresh yeast, 1 packet vanilla sugar, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

 Tags:  baked cheese donuts doughnuts cheese cows oven like at home recipes