Donuts

Delicious Glazed Donuts Recipe – An Escape into the World of Sweets

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12 donuts

For each of us, donuts are a pleasant childhood memory. Most of us remember heading to the bakery to indulge in a freshly fried donut, covered with a generous layer of sugar or glaze. This simple and popular treat has captured the hearts of many generations and continues to be a symbol of well-being and joy.

In this recipe, we will explore how to make homemade, fluffy, golden, and aromatic donuts, perfect for enjoying alone or with loved ones. You will discover how to prepare them step by step, personalize them with flavors and glazes, and transform them into your favorite dessert. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the starter:
- 80 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 ml lukewarm water

For the dough:
- 360 g flour
- 70 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon or orange (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 80 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks

For frying:
- Oil (enough to cover the donuts)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze (to taste)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Starter

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not hot, as it can kill the yeast.
2. Add the flour and mix well until you get a ball. Score it in a cross shape with a knife to allow the yeast to breathe.
3. Place the ball in a bowl of warm water and let it rise for 15 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center.
2. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, lemon or orange zest, eggs, and egg yolks. Then add the cubed butter.
3. Once the starter has risen, drain the ball of water and add it to the dough.
4. Knead the mixture well until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour (don’t overdo it, to avoid drying out the dough).
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shaping the Donuts

1. After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm.
2. Use a round cutter to cut circles from the dough, and a smaller cutter to make a hole in the center of each donut.
3. Place the donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 25 minutes.

Step 4: Frying the Donuts

1. In a deep pan, heat the oil to about 180°C. You can check the temperature with a piece of dough; if it rises quickly to the surface, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd them, to allow the heat to circulate.
3. Once fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the oil.

Step 5: Decorating

1. Let the donuts cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar or cover them with chocolate glaze. You can use melted chocolate mixed with a little butter for a smoother glaze.
2. If desired, you can add toppings such as crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles.

Practical Tips

- Frying oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or peanut oil, for the best results.
- Glaze: If you want to personalize the glaze, you can add natural extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or rum, for a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with fillings, adding jam, chocolate, or vanilla cream in the center of each donut.

Nutritional Information

This donut recipe contains approximately 200 calories per piece, depending on the ingredients used and the glaze. Donuts are a source of carbohydrates and can provide quick energy, but excessive consumption should be avoided, especially if you are pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Instead, you can enjoy a donut as an occasional treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What type of flour is best for donuts? Regular wheat flour works well, but you can opt for high-gluten flour for a more elastic texture.
- How can I keep donuts fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and consume them within 1-2 days for the best results.
- Can I freeze donuts? Yes, you can freeze unglazed donuts. Thaw them at room temperature, and then you can glaze them as desired.

Serving Suggestions

To turn a simple snack into an unforgettable experience, you can serve the donuts with a cup of flavored coffee, a hot tea, or even a creamy milkshake. These combinations will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a pleasant touch to your table.

In conclusion, making donuts at home can be a fun and satisfying activity. Give yourself the chance to enjoy these sweet delights, personalizing them to your liking. Use this recipe as a guide, but don’t hesitate to experiment and bring a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Enjoy!