Doughnuts

Fluffy Donut Recipe with Orange Essence

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 12 donuts)

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare fluffy donuts together, a traditional recipe that will fill your home with enticing aromas. These little treats are perfect for a savory breakfast, a snack between meals, or even a party with friends. Let's discover together the steps that will lead you to perfect, golden, fluffy donuts!

The Beginning of the Adventure: Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g wheat flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 g sugar
- 150 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange essence (or any other preferred essence)
- 50 ml sunflower oil (plus oil for frying)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Useful Tip: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the yeast work properly.

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast

In a cup, add 75 ml of warm milk, then crumble the yeast and add two tablespoons of flour. Mix well to obtain a uniform paste. Cover the cup with a towel and let the yeast sit for 10 minutes. You will notice it starting to bubble, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Heating the Fluffy Ingredients

In a small pot, combine the remaining milk (75 ml), sugar, eggs, and 30 ml of oil. Place the pot over medium heat and warm the mixture, being careful not to let it boil. This step will help the sugar dissolve completely and create a homogeneous mix.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and make a well in the center. Here, add the activated yeast. Gently mix with a spatula, then pour the warm milk mixture over the flour. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, and when the dough begins to form, knead it with your hands.

Step 4: Mixing with Oil and Essence

Once the dough becomes homogeneous, add the remaining oil (20 ml) and the orange essence. Continue kneading the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is a crucial step to achieve fluffy donuts.

Step 5: Letting It Rise

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for one hour in a warm place. You will notice the dough doubling in size, which is a sign that the yeast is doing its job.

Step 6: Shaping the Donuts

After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 1.5 cm. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough. Meanwhile, prepare a deep pan with hot oil (about 180°C).

Step 7: Frying the Donuts

Carefully add the dough circles to the hot oil. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Make sure to turn them with a spatula for even frying. Once ready, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 8: Decorating and Serving

After the donuts have cooled slightly, generously dust them with powdered sugar. You can choose to serve them plain or with jam, melted chocolate, or whipped cream, depending on your preferences.

Personal Tip: I love serving them with a hot tea or a fragrant coffee! Orange essence donuts also pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional Information: One serving (approximately 3 donuts) contains about 350-400 calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates, and fresh yeast also brings probiotic benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 8 g.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
Donuts keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Certainly! Instead of orange essence, you can use vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon for a unique flavor.

4. How can I make the donuts healthier?
You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar. You can also bake the donuts instead of frying them.

These fluffy donuts with orange essence are not just a treat but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let's enjoy a recipe that will surely become your favorite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 25 g fresh yeast, 50 g sugar, 150 ml milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon orange essence, 50 ml oil + oil for frying, powdered sugar