Chocolate Doughnuts

Chocolate doughnuts are a delight that reminds us of joyful moments and the happiness of childhood. These fluffy doughnuts, covered with fine chocolate cream and sprinkled with colorful candies, are perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special breakfast, a snack during the day, or as dessert at a party, the chocolate doughnut recipe will surely be a success. Moreover, the dough is easy to make, either with a bread machine or by hand, so there’s no need to worry.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts

Ingredients:
- 520 g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup kefir (about 250 ml)
- 100 ml milk
- 60 g butter
- 75 g sugar
- 10 g dry yeast
- Candied orange peel (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate cream (Finetti, Nutella, or any preferred)
- Colorful candies for decoration

Dough preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. If you have a bread machine, it will be even easier, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. It can also be done by hand!

2. Heating the milk: In a container, add the butter and sugar to the slightly warmed milk. Heat it over low heat, making sure not to boil it, just enough to melt the butter and sugar. Let it cool slightly before use.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. In this well, add the egg, yeast, salt, and kefir. The dry yeast will start to activate as soon as it comes into contact with the wet ingredients.

4. Adding the milk: Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon or with your hands, gradually incorporating the milk and butter mixture. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Once the ingredients are well incorporated, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or the doughnuts will turn out tough.

6. Dough rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

Shaping the doughnuts:
7. Processing the dough: After the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the air. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick.

8. Cutting the doughnuts: Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut circles from the dough. Then, with a smaller cutter, cut out the center of each circle to create the classic doughnuts. The remaining dough can be kneaded again and reused.

9. Second rising: Let the doughnuts rise again on a tray, covered with a towel, for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

Frying the doughnuts:
10. Heating the oil: In a deep pan or frying pot, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when a drop of dough rises to the surface immediately.

11. Frying: Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain a constant oil temperature. After frying, place the doughnuts on an absorbent towel to remove excess oil.

Decorating the doughnuts:
12. Heating the chocolate cream: Slightly heat the chocolate cream in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until it becomes fluid, but not hot.

13. Coating the doughnuts: Take each doughnut and dip it in the chocolate cream, ensuring it is well covered. Place the doughnuts on a platter and sprinkle colorful candies on top for a festive and attractive look.

Serving and variations:
Chocolate doughnuts are excellent and simple, but you can add a touch of creativity. Try filling them with fruit jam or vanilla cream for a surprise twist. You can also experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough.

These fluffy doughnuts pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Imagine a combination of chocolate doughnuts and a creamy cappuccino – a perfect choice for an indulgent breakfast!

Nutritional benefits:
These doughnuts contain simple and accessible ingredients, and kefir adds a boost of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Additionally, the candied orange peel adds a touch of vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. About 30 g of fresh yeast would be sufficient.
- How can I store the doughnuts? Keep the doughnuts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can also be consumed the next day, but it is recommended to enjoy them fresh.
- What is the ideal frying method? Make sure the oil is well heated to avoid excessive oil absorption. Test the temperature with a small piece of dough before frying the doughnuts.

These chocolate doughnuts are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spend time in the kitchen with family or friends. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to savor the cooking process! Bon appétit!