Doughnuts

Fluffy Citrus-Infused Donuts

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Proofing time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 20 donuts

Who doesn't love a fluffy, golden donut that melts in your mouth? This citrus-infused donut recipe is perfect for family brunches, get-togethers with friends, or simply to indulge your taste buds. These fluffy donuts are not only delicious but also easy to make, even for those with little kitchen experience.

A Brief History of Donuts
Donuts have a long and fascinating history, being a beloved dessert around the world. Whether fried or baked, filled with jam or served plain, they have a unique ability to bring smiles to the faces of those who enjoy them. This recipe combines tradition with a touch of freshness, thanks to the lemon and orange zest.

Ingredients:
- 150 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 ml sparkling mineral water
- 400 ml lukewarm milk
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange
- 1 kg flour (sifted)
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 150 g powdered sugar for decoration

Step by Step for Unforgettable Donuts

1. Preparing the Yeast
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 100 ml of sparkling mineral water. Mix well and let it proof for 15 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as activating the yeast ensures fluffy donuts.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps and aerate the ingredient. Add the lemon and orange zest, vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well with a wooden spoon, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.

3. Adding the Wet Ingredients
In the center of the flour mixture, make a well and add the egg yolks, lukewarm milk, cooled melted butter, the remaining sparkling mineral water, and of course, the prepared yeast.

4. Kneading the Dough
Now comes the fun part! Use your hands to knead the dough for about 15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. A good idea is to oil your hands slightly to make kneading easier.

5. Proofing the Dough
Once you have a nice elastic dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it proof in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving airy and fluffy donuts.

6. Shaping the Donuts
After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll it out to about 1-2 cm thick. Use a glass or a donut cutter to cut out the donuts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them proof for another 15-20 minutes.

7. Frying the Donuts
In a deep pot or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the donuts; a simple method is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil – if it starts to sizzle immediately, it’s ready. Fry the donuts in the order they were cut, until they are golden on both sides. This will give them a uniform and crispy texture.

8. Serving the Donuts
Once the donuts are fried, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Generously dust them with powdered sugar and enjoy them warm, alongside a large glass of fresh milk or a fragrant tea. These fluffy donuts are also perfect with fruit jam or chocolate sauce.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Use sparkling mineral water to give the dough extra lightness.
- You can substitute the citrus zest with other flavors, like vanilla or cinnamon, to diversify the taste.
- If you like filled donuts, you can add jam or chocolate in the center of the donuts before frying.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. About 25 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 2 packets of dry yeast.

2. How can I store the donuts?
Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

3. How many calories are in a donut?
A donut has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on its size and the amount of powdered sugar used.

4. What other recipes can I pair with the donuts?
These fluffy donuts pair perfectly with a flavored coffee, black tea, or even a fruit smoothie for an energizing breakfast.

Citrus-infused fluffy donuts are a fantastic choice for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. So don’t hesitate, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aroma of freshly fried donuts!

 Ingredients: 150 g butter, 3 egg yolks, 200 ml sparkling water, 400 ml warm milk, lemon zest, orange zest, 1 kg flour, 2 yeast packets, 4 vanilla sugar sachets, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 150 g powdered sugar for decoration

 Tags:  fluffy doughnuts