Italian Easter Bread

To prepare these delicious doughnuts, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and preparing a clean workspace. In a saucepan over low heat, add the butter and milk, stirring constantly to melt the butter evenly. Once the butter has completely melted, let the mixture cool slightly until it becomes warm. This is an essential step, as a mixture that is too hot can affect the eggs when added.

In a large bowl, place the flour, preferably sifted to avoid lumps, sugar, grated lemon zest which will bring a pleasant aroma to the mixture, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon to combine them evenly. Then, in the center of this mixture, add the eggs and the warm milk in which you melted the butter. Using the same spoon, mix well until the dough becomes homogeneous. The consistency should be compact but slightly soft; if you feel it is too soft, do not hesitate to add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal parts, each part to become a ring. Shape the dough into a ring or, if you prefer, you can opt for a more elongated shape, similar to a giant loaf of bread. An ingenious method to achieve a perfectly round shape is to use a pot with a diameter of 10-12 cm, which you place upside down on a baking sheet. Surround the pot with the dough, using the spoon to give it the desired shape. After you have formed the ring, lightly moisten the surface with a little milk and sprinkle granulated sugar and powdered sugar on top for a crispy and sweet finish.

Preheat the oven to a temperature of 160°-170°C. Once the oven is ready, place the tray with the doughnuts inside and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the rings are lightly browned and have a golden crust. You will be rewarded with an enticing aroma that will fill the entire house. After the doughnuts are baked, let them cool on a rack, then enjoy the result of your labor. These doughnuts are perfect to be served at breakfast, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet snack during the day.