Berlin doughnuts

Fluffy Berliners: a delicious and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Welcome to the world of Berliners, a dessert that combines tradition with the pleasure of taste! These fluffy donuts, filled with jam or a delicious cream, are perfect for any occasion or even as a quick snack during the day. The history of Berliners takes us back in time when they were prepared for holidays and festivals, quickly becoming a favorite for many due to their airy texture and enticing flavors.

Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g flour (preferably type 550 for a finer texture)
- 270 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, as it could kill the yeast)
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one orange (for a subtle fragrance)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the donuts during frying)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- A teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, for a more aromatic taste)

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and lukewarm milk. Gently mix with a fork to dissolve the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will help achieve a fluffy texture.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, melted (cooled) butter, orange zest, and the activated yeast mixture. Using a whisk, incorporate the ingredients until well combined.

3. Incorporating the flour
Sift the flour together with the salt to remove any impurities and aerate the flour. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Kneading
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the donuts tougher.

5. Rising
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Gently knead to release the air and then roll it out to about 1 cm thick. Using a glass or a cutter, cut out circles of dough.

7. Second rising
Place the dough circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes until fluffy.

8. Frying
In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Check the oil temperature by throwing in a small piece of dough; if it floats to the surface and sizzles, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

9. Draining
Remove the fried donuts onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil.

10. Decorating
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the warm donuts for an appealing look and delicious taste.

Serving suggestions:
These Berliners are delicious served warm, but they can also be filled with apricot jam, chocolate cream, or any other preferred filling. A personal suggestion: try serving them alongside fresh coffee or fruit tea for a perfect flavor combination!

Possible variations:
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour, but note that the texture will differ. Also, for a more exotic flavor, add a little cardamom or nutmeg to the dough.

Nutritional information:
This Berliner recipe has approximately 200 calories per piece (without filling). They provide a good source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, and the orange zest adds antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast. Activation is done in the same way.

2. What filling can I use?
You can use jams, chocolate creams, puddings, or even sweet cheese. Imagination is the limit!

3. How can I store the donuts?
The donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can be reheated to regain their fluffiness.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and smiles with every bite! Cook with your heart and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 270 ml milk, 50 g sugar, 50 g butter, 25 g fresh yeast, 2 egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, grated zest of one orange, oil for frying, powdered sugar

 Tags:  fluffy doughnuts