Oven-baked donuts

Oven Doughnuts: A Delicacy Made with Love

I present to you a recipe for oven-baked doughnuts that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. These doughnuts are fluffy, flavorful, and healthier than their fried counterparts, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. Moreover, they are very easy to prepare, even for those with little kitchen experience. Let’s discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour (ideally type 000 or special pastry flour)
- 200 ml milk (warm)
- 100 g sugar (preferably granulated)
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 100 g butter (softened and at room temperature)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate for glazing (optional, but recommended)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the two eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes light in color. It is essential to incorporate the sugar well to achieve a light texture.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the warm milk and softened (not melted) butter to the bowl. Mix gently until combined. Adding the lemon zest now will give a pleasant and fresh aroma to your doughnuts.

3. Dissolving the Yeast:
If using dry yeast, dissolve it in a few tablespoons of warm milk (from the 200 ml) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If using fresh yeast, crumble it and add it directly to the egg mixture.

4. Incorporating the Flour:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, starting to mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. When the dough becomes harder to mix, continue kneading with your hands until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. It is important not to add too much flour, so at this stage, use flour only as needed.

5. Proofing the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until the dough doubles in volume. This is an essential step, as the yeast will help the doughnuts to be fluffy.

6. Shaping the Doughnuts:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you achieve a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. Use a larger cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough. In the center of each circle, make a small indentation with a small lid (from a bottle, for example).

7. Placing the Doughnuts:
Place the cut circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will rise further. Cover them again with a towel and let them proof for 30 minutes.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium) and bake the doughnuts for 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to over-brown them; they should be lightly golden around the edges.

9. Glazing:
Once cooled, you can glaze the doughnuts with melted chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look. If you opt for chocolate, make sure it is of good quality for a perfect taste.

Serving Suggestions:
Your doughnuts will be delicious alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also add a filling of vanilla cream or fruit jam to make them even more delightful.

Vegan Option:
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with 2 ripe bananas or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water (let sit for a few minutes). Replace the butter with plant-based margarine.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
Each doughnut has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the glaze. They are a good source of carbohydrates and energy, but for a more balanced nutritional intake, you can serve the doughnuts alongside fresh fruits or yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture will differ.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you left the dough in a warm place.
- Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, the doughnuts can be frozen, but it is recommended to glaze them after thawing to maintain a fresh appearance.

I hope this oven doughnut recipe brings you joy and delicious moments with your loved ones! Cooking is not just a necessity, but also an art form, and each recipe tells a story. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite!