Baked donuts

Baked Donuts - a light and delicious treat for all occasions

Who doesn’t love a dessert that is both delicious and lighter? Baked donuts are a delightful option for those who want to enjoy a sweet snack without feeling guilty. This simple yet flavorful recipe will turn any ordinary day into a celebration of taste!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar (preferably brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 50 g butter (melted, but not hot)
- 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 250 ml milk (warmed, but not hot)
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla essence (1-2 teaspoons)
- honey (for glazing)
- colorful sprinkles (for decoration)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 100 g of flour with the dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add 75 ml of warm milk and mix well until you get a smooth paste. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a crucial step as the yeast will activate fermentation and help the donuts rise.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In the bowl of a bread machine or a large bowl, add the prepared yeast, eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, oil, vanilla essence, and the remaining milk. Mix all the ingredients until combined.

3. Adding the flour: Start adding the remaining flour gradually, mixing continuously. It’s important to add the flour little by little to achieve a smooth and elastic dough.

4. Kneading the dough: If using a bread machine, let it knead for 10 minutes. If kneading by hand, put in a little effort and knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

5. First rising: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit in a warm place for 1 hour until the dough doubles in size. You can check if it’s ready by gently pressing the dough with your finger; it should slowly return to its original shape.

6. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, oil your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Tear off pieces of dough and form balls of the desired size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand while baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Bake the donuts for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy. I recommend checking them after 15 minutes, as every oven bakes differently.

8. Glazing: When the donuts are ready, take them out of the oven and, while still warm, brush them with a little honey. This step not only gives them a sweet taste but also helps the sprinkles adhere for decoration.

9. Serving: Baked donuts are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain or with a chocolate sauce, jam, or balsamic vinegar for a surprising contrast.

Useful tips:

- If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- The donuts keep well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly in the oven to restore their freshness.
- These donuts are also great for breakfast or as a snack. You can pair them with a cup of green tea or a cold lemonade, making every bite an explosion of flavors.

Nutritional information:
- Calories (per donut): approx. 130-150 kcal
- Benefits: Baked donuts are a better choice than fried ones, having a lower fat content and providing a good supply of carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Eggs and milk bring proteins and calcium, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, but be careful to adjust the liquid amounts.

2. How can I make the donuts less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and serve them with a topping of fresh fruit.

3. Can I add chocolate to the dough?
Of course! You can incorporate chocolate chips or cocoa into the dough for extra flavor.

Baked donuts are a true delicacy, easy to prepare and perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or want to treat your family, these donuts will bring smiles and joy in every bite. So grab the ingredients and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!