Chocolate donuts

Simpson Donuts - a common delicacy that has captured the hearts of many, including your daughter! These fluffy donuts, glazed with chocolate, are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a warm cup of milk or a fragrant coffee. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious donuts, and additionally, I will provide you with useful tips and information about the ingredients to make your cooking experience as enjoyable as possible.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 120 minutes
Frying time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g of wheat flour (choose type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 2 large eggs (to add richness and flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (approximately 21 g)
- 75 g of butter (melted, for a soft and flavorful dough)
- 225 ml of milk (warmed, to activate the yeast)

For the glaze:
- 25 g of butter
- 200 g of powdered sugar (for a fine and sweet glaze)
- 70 g of dark chocolate (70% cocoa, for an intense flavor)
- warm water (to thin the glaze)
- colored sprinkles (for decoration)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by warming the milk in a small pot until it is lukewarm (not hot, as it will kill the yeast). Add the sugar and yeast to the warm milk, stirring gently until the yeast is completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it starts to foam. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Sifting the ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with a pinch of salt and the vanilla. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the milk-yeast mixture.

3. Kneading the dough:
Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to knead. Finally, add the melted butter and knead the dough vigorously for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. You can make this process easier by using a mixer with dough hooks, if you have one.

4. First rising:
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and shape the dough into a ball. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the donuts:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface and knead it gently to release the air. Roll out a sheet about 1-2 cm thick and use a glass with a diameter of 9 cm to cut out circles. Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each donut, creating a ring.

6. Second rising:
Arrange the donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

7. Frying:
Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Start frying the donuts, 2-3 at a time, until they are golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. Place the fried donuts on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Preparing the glaze:
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Thin the glaze with a few tablespoons of warm water until it reaches the desired consistency. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate over a double boiler, then add it to the sugar glaze and mix well. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of glaze for decoration.

9. Decorating the donuts:
Take each donut and dip it in the chocolate glaze, ensuring it is completely covered. Then sprinkle colored sprinkles on top for a festive and attractive look. Allow the donuts to set on a cooling rack.

10. Serving:
These donuts are delicious warm, but also at room temperature. Serve them alongside a warm cup of milk or a fragrant coffee. You can enjoy them on weekends with family or offer them as dessert at a party.

Tips and useful advice

- Butter: Make sure the butter is melted but not hot, so it doesn't affect the yeast in the dough.
- Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast to ensure it is active.
- Storing donuts: Donuts keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly in the oven before serving to restore their fluffy texture.
- Variations: You can add various flavors to the dough, such as lemon or orange zest for a fresher taste. You can also experiment with different types of glaze, such as caramel or lemon glaze.

Nutritional information (per donut)
Calories: approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g

These Simpson donuts are more than just a dessert; they are a sweet memory of time spent with family and the joy of cooking together. So don't hesitate to get cooking and remember the beautiful moments while enjoying these delicious glazed donuts!