Doughnuts

Fluffy Donut Recipe with Powdered Sugar

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 15 donuts

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will teach you how to make fluffy and aromatic donuts, a simple and charming recipe, perfect for little moments of indulgence. These donuts are ideal for a special breakfast, a sweet snack, or even to impress guests at a party.

A Brief History of Donuts

Donuts have a rich and fascinating history, being a dessert enjoyed worldwide, ranging from simple to sophisticated. They have been prepared over time in various shapes and with different fillings, but they all have one thing in common: they are delicious. From children eagerly awaiting warm donuts, to adults enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these treats are a symbol of joy and conviviality.

Necessary Ingredients

- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (preferably cane sugar for a richer taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (ideally at body temperature)
- 50 g butter (melted and allowed to cool slightly)
- 500 g flour (type 650 or 000 for a finer texture)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 natural vanilla paste)

Useful Items

- A bread machine (optional, but recommended to ease the process)
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil or peanut oil)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Absorbent towel to drain the donuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast along with a tablespoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes until a foam forms on top. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active.

2. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the middle. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well.
- Add the eggs, remaining sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, melted butter, and lukewarm milk. It is important to add the milk gradually while constantly mixing to avoid lumps.

3. Kneading the dough: Use your hands to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the donuts may become too dense.

4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy and airy donuts.

5. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a working surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2 cm. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out the donuts. If you want to make them with a hole in the middle, use a smaller lid.

6. Second rising: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step will make your donuts even fluffier.

7. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Check the temperature by dipping a small piece of dough; if it starts to bubble immediately, it's ready. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden (about 2-3 minutes on each side).

8. Draining and decorating: Remove the fried donuts with a spatula and place them on an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil. While still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar.

Useful Tips

- Flavor variations: You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with fillings, such as fruit jam, melted chocolate, or vanilla cream.
- Serving: These donuts are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can accompany them with a chocolate or caramel sauce for an even greater indulgence.
- Storing donuts: If you happen to have leftover donuts, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the freezer for a longer period. Reheat them slightly before serving to restore their fluffy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Donuts are a warm delicacy, but it should not be forgotten that, like many desserts, they contain calories. A medium donut has about 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. Although they are rich in carbohydrates, the butter and eggs provide a source of healthy fats and proteins. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed on special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 10 g, and don’t forget to activate it in the same way.

2. How can I make the donuts healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour, reduce the amount of sugar, and replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil.

3. What other recipes can I try if I like donuts?
If you like donuts, try recipes for donuts or chocolate rolls, which are just as delicious and easy to make.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to start cooking! Fluffy donuts will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn an ordinary day into a special one. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 250 ml of warm milk, 50 g of butter, vanilla sugar, 500 g of flour, 25 g of yeast

 Tags:  yeast milk flour bread machine