Chocolate donuts

Chocolate donuts – a delicacy that combines tradition with sweet pleasure. These fluffy and aromatic donuts are perfect for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert alongside a fragrant coffee. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- Grated zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 700 g)
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (about 100 g)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the donuts)

Serving suggestion
These chocolate donuts are delicious on their own, but you can dust them with powdered sugar or serve them with a spoonful of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. A glass of warm milk or an espresso coffee are ideal accompaniments for a complete experience.

The history of donuts
Donuts have a fascinating history, with roots in various culinary cultures around the world. From simple fried versions to those filled with jam or chocolate, these delicacies have evolved over the centuries, becoming a symbol of joy and sharing special moments.

Step by step for perfect donuts

1. Preparing the dough
Start by gently warming the milk, making sure it is lukewarm but not hot. Add the fresh yeast and mix well until completely dissolved. The essential oils from the lemon zest will add a wonderful aroma, so don’t hesitate to use it!

2. Adding the ingredients
Add the vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt to the milk and yeast mixture. Follow with the egg yolks and lemon zest. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

3. Starting to knead
Begin to gradually add the sifted flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Kneading the dough is essential to achieve fluffy donuts. Continue kneading for about 30 minutes. Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil during this time to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.

4. Letting it rise
After kneading the dough, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. You will notice how the dough doubles in volume, which is a sign that the yeast is doing its job!

5. Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out round shapes. Take two circles of dough and place a cube of chocolate on one of them. Place the other circle on top and press the edges to seal them.

6. Second rising
Let the shaped donuts rise for another 15 minutes. This step will make your donuts even fluffier.

7. Frying the donuts
In a deep pan, heat the oil until it is hot but not smoking. Fry the donuts in batches, about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they become golden and crispy. Be sure to turn them carefully for even frying.

8. Finishing and serving
After frying, remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant and tasty appearance.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. About 8 g of dry yeast can replace 25 g of fresh yeast.

- How can I make the donuts lower in calories?
Replace the chocolate with a low-fat version or use a fruit filling. You can also bake the donuts instead of frying them.

- Can I prepare the donuts a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. When you are ready to serve them, you can gently reheat them.

Nutritional benefits
These chocolate donuts contain carbohydrates from flour, proteins from eggs, and calcium from milk. Adding chocolate brings a boost of antioxidants, but consumed in moderation, donuts can be part of a balanced diet.

Possible variations
- Replace chocolate with marzipan or fruit jam for an explosion of different flavors.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Turn these donuts into a gourmet dessert by serving them with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Now that you have gone through this detailed recipe for chocolate donuts, it's time to put your apron on and get to work! With a little care and love, you will create a dessert that will delight anyone who enjoys it. Enjoy!