Recipe for soft and melting donuts
These classic donuts are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, fluffy donuts fried to perfection. Each bite is tender and slightly crispy, giving you that beautiful contrast of textures that makes donuts so irresistible. The recipe combines basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, but with the right technique, you can create a magical dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Best of all, these donuts can be enjoyed any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Finish them off with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and they’re ready to devour.
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Why you’ll love this recipe: This doughnut recipe is revolutionary because it is simple to make, but produces professional-quality results. The dough is rich and creamy, resulting in a moist, light yet flavorful interior. Even if you are new to baking, this recipe is very accessible, requiring no advanced skills or special equipment. Plus, the satisfaction of biting into a hot, freshly fried doughnut, with that perfect crunch and soft center, is unbeatable. Whether you serve them as is or with a dipping sauce, these doughnuts will quickly become a family favorite.
Perfect opportunity: Donuts are perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a party dessert. They’re also a great choice for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to impress your guests with something warm and comforting. Donuts are versatile and pair perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, making them an ideal treat for cozy mornings or late-night snacks.
Decorating tips: After frying, the traditional way to decorate donuts is to dust them generously with powdered sugar. However, there are plenty of ways to enhance their appearance and taste. You can drizzle them with chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce. For a more decadent experience, serve them with a dipping sauce like Nutella, berry coulis, or vanilla cream. If you want to get creative, sprinkle them with a hint of cinnamon sugar or top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream. The beauty of donuts is that they are a blank canvas for customization, so feel free to add your own personal touch.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 240 ml of hot milk
- 40 g sugar
- 8 g active dry yeast
- 60g melted butter
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
For frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for frying)
For the filling:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough: Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 12 to 15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not wet.
3. First climb: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The dough should double in size.
4. Roll and shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Use a sharp knife or round cookie cutter to cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preference.
5. Second climb: Place the cut pieces of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a tea towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise will make the donuts even softer once fried.
6. Heat the oil: In a deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C). It is important to maintain the right temperature so that the fritters cook evenly and absorb as little oil as possible. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.
7. Fry the donuts: Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until puffed and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Sprinkle with icing sugar: Once the donuts are drained and slightly cooled, dust them generously with icing sugar. Be sure to coat them well for a classic donut experience.
9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the donuts warm for optimal flavor and texture. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite sauce for a delicious treat.
Advice:
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the batter.
- Make sure the oil remains constantly hot while frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- If you prefer a filling, you can inject custard, jam or cream into the donuts after frying.
Enjoy these light, fluffy, perfectly golden donuts dusted with sugar or topped with your favorite topping!