Oven-baked donuts

Oven donuts - a delight that combines the warm aroma of cinnamon with the fluffy and soft texture of the donuts. These treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack at any time of the day. Additionally, the oven donut recipe is a healthier option than fried ones, as it requires no oil and is easy to prepare. Let's discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 donuts

Necessary ingredients:
- 110 g sugar (plus 80 g for the glaze)
- 1 egg
- 70 g melted butter (plus 80 g for the glaze)
- 150 ml milk
- 180 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for the glaze)

Step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This will ensure even baking and a perfect texture for your donuts. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, beat the egg with the 110 g of sugar until it becomes a smooth and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to achieve a light donut. Add the melted butter (make sure it is cooled) and continue mixing for 1 minute.

Step 3: Adding the liquid ingredients
At this point, add the milk and mix well. The milk will make the donuts moist and delicious.

Step 4: The dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and grated lemon zest. Nutmeg adds a special touch, so you won't want to skip it. Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.

Step 5: Preparing the molds
Grease the donut or muffin molds with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. It's important to have a well-greased base for easy release after baking. You can use silicone or metal molds, each with its own advantages.

Step 6: Filling the molds
Fill the molds with the prepared dough, being careful to fill them only halfway. The donuts will rise during baking, so it's essential to leave space for them to expand.

Step 7: Baking
Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake the donuts for 15-20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them; every oven has its peculiarities!

Step 8: Preparing the glaze
Meanwhile, melt the 80 g of butter over low heat. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon. This combination will add a special flavor and an attractive appearance to your donuts.

Step 9: Glazing the donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, brush each donut with melted butter on all sides. Then, dip them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. I assure you they will be irresistible!

Serving suggestions
These donuts are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can serve them with warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert. Additionally, add some fresh fruit for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Interesting variations
If you want to experiment, you can add some chocolate chips or dried fruits to the dough. You can also replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a different flavor. Instead of cinnamon, try pie spice blends for a seasonal touch.

Nutritional information and calories
Each donut has about 150 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used. Donuts are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, but it's best to consume them in moderation. It's also important to note that the butter used brings healthy fats, but you can opt for lower-fat butter or coconut oil if you prefer a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it may change the texture of the donuts, making them denser. You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour to make them healthier.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Certainly! You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture.

These oven donuts are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Each donut is a little culinary masterpiece, and you are the artist in the kitchen. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for 10 pieces: 110 g sugar, 1 egg, 70 g melted butter, 150 ml milk, 180 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, a pinch of nutmeg. Glaze: 80 g butter, 80 g sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon.