Chocolate donuts

Chocolate Donuts: The Sweet Delight of Childhood

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12 donuts

Introduction

Chocolate donuts are a symbol of joy and pleasant childhood memories. These fluffy delights, covered with melted chocolate, not only tantalize the taste buds but also brighten any gloomy day. So, let’s embark on this adventure together to make these delicious donuts that will quickly become family favorites!

Essential Ingredients

To achieve the best chocolate donuts, you need the following ingredients:

- 400 g wheat flour (ideal for bread or donuts)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 180 ml warm milk (about 37° C)
- 30 ml lukewarm water
- 1 egg (ideally at room temperature)
- 40 g butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the donuts)
- 100 g chocolate (preferably with 50-70% cocoa content)
- 2 tablespoons cream (for a creamy sauce)

Ingredient Tips

1. Flour: Choose a high-quality flour rich in gluten to achieve fluffy and elastic donuts.
2. Yeast: If using dry yeast, add it directly to the flour without needing activation. Using fresh yeast provides a more intense flavor.
3. Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 50 ml of warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step as it ensures the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, lukewarm water, and the rest of the milk. Start kneading the dough with a spatula or your hands. Continue kneading until you obtain a non-sticky and elastic dough. This process can take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Let the dough rise
When the dough is ready, cover it with a clean, damp towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the donuts
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. Using a glass or a cutter, cut out large circles. Then, use another smaller object to cut out the center of each donut. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry the donuts
In a deep pan, heat the oil to about 180° C. Test the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it floats and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare the chocolate sauce
Over a double boiler, melt the chocolate together with the cream, stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth and creamy mixture. This sauce will add extra flavor to the donuts.

Step 7: Assemble
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, generously coat them with the chocolate sauce. You can cover them completely or leave them partially uncovered to maintain a rustic look.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate donuts can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A warm drink, such as a cappuccino or fruit tea, perfectly complements this tasting experience. If you want to impress, add some fresh fruits, like raspberries or strawberries, for a colorful and fresh contrast.

Recipe Variations

1. Filled donuts: Add a teaspoon of jam or chocolate cream in the center of each donut before frying.
2. Cinnamon donuts: Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the donuts before letting them rise for the second time.
3. Vegan donuts: Replace the egg with a ripe banana or a mixture of flaxseeds.

Nutritional Benefits and Calories

One chocolate donut (approximately 80 g) contains about 220-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They contain carbohydrates for energy, fats from butter and chocolate, as well as protein from the egg. When consumed in moderation, donuts can be part of a balanced diet, bringing sweet satisfaction to our days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 20 g of fresh yeast. Don’t forget to add it directly to the flour.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Check if the yeast is active. If it hasn’t frothed, it may have been exposed to extreme temperatures or may be old.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, donuts can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. When needed, you can reheat them in the oven.

I hope this chocolate donut recipe brings smiles and pleasant moments with your loved ones. Remember, cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story we share with those we love! Enjoy!