Doughnuts

Fluffy Lemon Donuts

Who doesn't love donuts? This classic dessert reminds us of childhood and is perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack during the day, or even as a dessert. Fluffy lemon donuts are an excellent choice, and today I invite you to discover together how to prepare them step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 000)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g) or 7 g dry yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)

Step 1: Activating the yeast

To get fluffy donuts, the first step is to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the cube of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm water. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it aside for about 10 minutes. You will notice that the yeast starts to bubble, indicating that it is active and ready to use.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour with the lemon zest, salt, and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten eggs, the activated yeast mixture, lemon juice, and oil.

Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the lukewarm milk. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Knead well for 5-7 minutes until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough. An effective method is to pull the dough from the edges to the center and fold it, repeating this process until it becomes homogeneous.

Step 3: Rising the dough

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. The dough will rise beautifully, and the lemon aroma will intensify.

Step 4: Shaping the donuts

Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. Using a glass or a cutter, cut out the donut shapes. You should get about 12 donuts.

Place the cut donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 20 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy donuts.

Step 5: Frying the donuts

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, you can add a small piece of dough – if it starts to sizzle and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden and appetizing.

After frying, remove the donuts to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Serving

Dust the donuts with powdered sugar before serving. They are delicious on their own, but you can accompany them with fruit jam, chocolate sauce, or even ice cream.

Practical tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Use type 000 flour for a finer and fluffier dough. Sunflower oil is ideal, but for a special flavor, try melted butter.
- Rising: Make sure the dough is placed in a warm spot, free from drafts, to rise evenly.
- Variations: You can add various flavors to the dough, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give it a personalized touch. You can also try replacing some of the flour with cocoa to make chocolate donuts.

Nutritional information:

Per serving (1 donut):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of the cube of fresh yeast. Add the dry yeast directly to the flour.

2. What can I do with leftover donuts?
Donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or fry them again to regain their crispy texture.

3. How can I avoid sticky donuts?
Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and that you use enough flour during shaping. If the dough is too wet, feel free to add a little more flour.

Complementary recipes and drinks:

These fluffy donuts pair perfectly with a cup of green tea or a fragrant coffee. You can also serve them alongside fruit-filled pancakes or even a fresh smoothie for a delicious breakfast.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Fluffy lemon donuts will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special moment. Enjoy!