Filled donuts

Filled donuts: The perfect delight for special moments

Filled donuts are a delicacy that reminds us of childhood, of moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, where sweet aromas delighted our senses. This filled donut recipe is simple yet full of flavor and can be adapted to individual preferences. Let's discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 6 eggs
- 400 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla powder
- 1 bottle of vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Filling of choice (jam, Nutella, preserves, etc.)
- Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter. In a small bowl, combine 50 g of fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the starter rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Mixing the ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs with 6 tablespoons of sugar, salt, the two packets of vanilla powder, vanilla essence, and lemon zest. Now is the time to let the aromas inspire us in the kitchen!

3. Combining the starter with the egg mixture. Once the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with the beaten eggs. Mix well, then gradually start adding the flour, alternating with the lukewarm milk, until you obtain a smooth dough.

4. Kneading. It is essential to knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. It is normal for it to be sticky at first, so do not hesitate to dust your hands with a little flour (about 100 g) to work with it more easily. Kneading should take about 10 minutes.

5. First rising. Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

6. Shaping the donuts. After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Using a rolling pin, roll each part into sheets about 1 cm thick. With the help of a cup or glass, cut circles from the dough.

7. Filling. In the center of each dough circle, add a teaspoon of the chosen filling (jam, Nutella, preserves). Cover each circle with another dough circle and press the edges well using your fingers. To ensure they stick well, you can lightly dip your fingers in milk.

8. Second rising. Let the donuts rest for 15 minutes, covered with a clean towel, to fill with air and become fluffy.

9. Frying. In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the donuts on both sides until they turn golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes on each side). Transfer them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

10. Finishing. Dust the warm donuts with powdered sugar and enjoy them with your loved ones!

Useful tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, add some pieces of fresh fruit or nuts to the filling.
- You can experiment with different essence flavors, such as almond or orange, to customize the recipe.
- Make sure the oil is well heated before you start frying; otherwise, the donuts will absorb oil and not have the desired crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Filled donuts contain carbohydrates from flour and sugar, which provide quick energy. The eggs contribute quality protein, and the chosen filling can add additional nutrients (for example, fruit jam contains vitamins).

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 20 g of dry yeast, which should be activated according to the instructions on the package.

- How can I store the donuts?
You can store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

- What can I serve the donuts with?
Filled donuts pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy the donuts with warm chocolate sauce or whipped cream.

Variations:
- Chocolate donuts: add melted chocolate to the filling for a decadent taste.
- Sweet cheese donuts: mix cottage cheese with sugar and vanilla for a delicious filling.

So, I challenge you to try this filled donut recipe and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen. Whether you savor them for breakfast, as a dessert, or at a party with friends, these donuts will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 8 tablespoons of sugar, 6 eggs, 400 ml lukewarm milk, 50g yeast, 1 pinch of salt, 2 packets of vanilla powder, a small bottle of vanilla essence, grated zest of one lemon, filling (jam, Nutella, preserves, etc.)