Baked donuts

Oven Donuts - Delicious Recipe for a Fluffy and Healthy Snack

On an ordinary day, with three energetic and smiling children around me, I thought there is nothing more enjoyable than pampering them with some fluffy donuts that are, at the same time, healthier than fried ones. Oven donuts are the ideal choice: no oil and no greasy smell in the kitchen, just the enticing aroma of lemon zest and vanilla intertwining in the air. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 24 donuts

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g melted butter
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 egg
- 1 yolk
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet dry yeast Dr.Oetker

For the glaze:
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 50 g white chocolate
- Chocolate flakes or colored sprinkles (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature, and the milk is lukewarm (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast). This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and well-risen dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In the bread machine bowl, add the ingredients in the following order: lukewarm milk, melted butter, oil, egg, yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, flour, and finally, the yeast. This order helps the yeast to activate properly, ensuring optimal rising.

3. Kneading and rising: Set the machine to the kneading and rising program. After the program is finished, you will have a fine and smooth dough, perfect for donuts. If you don't have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous.

4. Shaping the donuts: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about one finger. Use a glass to cut out circles, and with the help of a piping tip, cut out the center of each donut. Gather the leftover dough, knead it a little, and repeat the cutting steps.

5. Rising the donuts: Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a clean towel, and let them rise for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the donuts to become fluffy.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the donuts for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can dry out. A golden rule is to check them every 5 minutes after the first 15 minutes of baking.

7. Preparing the glaze: In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the liquid cream, stirring constantly. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, you can glaze them with chocolate. If desired, you can also add melted white chocolate on top or sprinkle chocolate flakes or colored sprinkles for a cheerful look.

Serving suggestions:
These oven donuts pair wonderfully with fruit tea or warm milk with cocoa. Additionally, for a special touch, you can accompany the donuts with a vanilla sauce or a dip of Greek yogurt mixed with honey and cinnamon.

Useful tips:
- If you want more aromatic donuts, you can replace the lemon zest with orange zest or add a splash of rum essence.
- You can experiment with various fillings, such as fruit jam or chocolate cream, to add before baking.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each donut has approximately 120 calories, depending on the ingredients used for the glaze. These donuts are a good source of carbohydrates and, due to the butter and oil, also provide healthy fats. By replacing the frying method with baking, you significantly reduce the intake of saturated fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser. You can combine whole wheat flour with white flour for a balanced result.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
The donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can warm them slightly in the oven before serving to restore their fluffy texture.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and glaze them before consuming.

I hope this oven donut recipe brings joy to your kitchen, just as it has to mine! It can be a lovely family activity, and the result will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: - 500 g flour - 100 g sugar - 200 ml milk - 50 g melted butter - 3 tablespoons oil - 1 egg - 1 yolk - 1 packet vanilla sugar - grated zest of one lemon - 1 packet dry yeast Dr.Oetker Glaze: - 150 g dark chocolate - 100 ml liquid cream Pilos - 50 g white chocolate - chocolate flakes