Doughnuts

Fluffy donuts, a delicacy that brings back childhood memories! These donuts are not just a quick dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. The recipe I will share with you is simple, and with a few tricks, you will achieve golden and fluffy donuts, perfect for any time of the day.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 donuts

A brief story about donuts
Donuts have a long history, being consumed for centuries in various corners of the world. These delicacies, made from a simple dough, have evolved over time, with each culture contributing its unique touch through various fillings and flavors. Our fluffy donuts are a beloved variation that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also serve as a delightful dessert during a party.

Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 250 ml milk
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 8 g dry yeast)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon or orange
- 3 eggs
- 50 ml melted butter (or sunflower oil)
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Granulated sugar for coating

Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Glass or donut cutter
- Tray for rising
- Oil for frying
- Paper towel for oil absorption

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture for the donuts. Make a small well in the center of the flour.

2. Activating the yeast
In a glass, add the fresh yeast and sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar on top. Let it liquefy for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, ensuring that the donuts will rise beautifully.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients
Heat 200 ml of milk over low heat, being careful not to exceed 37°C. Once the milk is warm, add the previously mixed sugar and stir well. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla essence or vanilla sugar.

4. Combining the ingredients
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the well in the flour. Add the activated yeast, grated lemon or orange zest, and salt. Start mixing the ingredients with your hands, forming a dough.

5. Kneading the dough
When the dough becomes homogeneous, gradually add the melted butter (or oil). Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

6. Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until its volume doubles.

7. Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, grease the work surface with a little oil. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a glass or cutter, cut out donuts with a diameter of 7-8 cm. Place them on a tray or work surface and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Frying the donuts
Heat the oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove the donuts to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

9. Coating in sugar
After they have cooled slightly, roll the donuts in granulated sugar. If you want an extra flavor, mix the sugar with a little cinnamon before coating the donuts.

Serving suggestions
Fluffy donuts can be enjoyed plain, but you can fill them with delicious vanilla cream or fruit jam. Another option is to serve them alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a flavored latte.

Interesting variations
If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding a few drops of almond essence to the dough or using orange zest for a fresher taste. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate pudding or a mix of fresh fruits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

- How do I keep the donuts fresh?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them.

- What other recipes can I make with the same dough?
This donut dough can also be used to make fluffy rolls or to prepare stuffed pancakes.

Nutritional benefits
These donuts can be considered a little indulgence, but they also contain valuable nutrients thanks to ingredients like eggs and milk. A serving provides a good source of protein and calcium, but it's best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Conclusion
Fluffy donuts are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a gathering with friends or a simple weekend treat. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and comfort that only a recipe for fluffy donuts can provide. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and let’s enjoy delicious donuts that will bring smiles to the faces of our loved ones!

 Ingredients: for approx. 30 doughnuts: 500 g flour 50 g sugar 250 ml milk 2 sachets of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence 25 g fresh yeast (8 g dry yeast) zest of one lemon/orange 1 pinch of salt 3 eggs 50 ml melted butter oil for frying granulated sugar for rolling

 Tags:  fluffy donuts