Donuts with chocolate glaze

Chocolate Glazed Donuts: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 donuts

Donuts have a long history, being a beloved dessert for generations. These fluffy, fried, and glazed treats have brought joy on both festive and ordinary days. Imagine their enticing aroma, soft texture, and the perfect combination of chocolate and the sweetness of the donuts! In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve fluffy donuts with a chocolate glaze that will impress anyone who tastes them.

Necessary ingredients:

For the donuts:
- 350 g flour
- 150 ml milk
- 60 g butter (at room temperature)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 3 egg yolks
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fragrant taste)

For the glaze:
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, depending on preference)
- 5 teaspoons liquid cream (whipping cream)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and sugar. Mix well to combine the ingredients. This step is essential to activate the yeast, and the sugar will give it a boost.

2. Preparing the dough: Once the yeast is activated, add the soft butter, egg yolks, lemon zest, and milk. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined.

3. Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Then, incorporate the flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled work surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the moment when your love and patience will transform the ingredients into a work of art!

5. Proofing: Once the dough is kneaded, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour). This is a crucial step that will determine the fluffy texture of the donuts.

6. Shaping the donuts: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly oiled work surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to about 1 cm thick. Use a glass or cutter to cut circles from the dough. Then, with a glass lid or plastic stopper, make a small hole in the center of each donut.

7. Frying the donuts: In a deep pan or wok, heat the oil to 180°C. Make sure the oil is hot enough; otherwise, the donuts won’t be crispy. Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and fluffy. Remove them to a paper towel to drain excess oil.

8. Preparing the glaze: In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped chocolate and liquid cream. Set the bowl over a pot of hot water (double boiler) to melt the chocolate, stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth, homogeneous glaze.

9. Glazing the donuts: While the donuts are warm, dip them in the melted chocolate, ensuring they are well coated. Then, sprinkle colorful sprinkles or ground nuts on top, as desired.

10. Serving: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before enjoying them. They are excellent served warm alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also offer them as a dessert at a party or as a sweet snack during the day.

Useful tips:

- Dough maintenance: If you prefer more aromatic donuts, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the dough.
- Filling variations: Instead of making plain donuts, you can fill the donuts with jam, chocolate, or vanilla cream before frying.
- Frying oil: Use sunflower oil or peanut oil, as they have a higher smoke point and provide a neutral taste.

Nutritional benefits: Donuts contain carbohydrates that provide quick energy, and dark chocolate, used for the glaze, is known for its antioxidant content and potential heart health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 7 g.
- How can I store the donuts? Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat them slightly before serving to restore freshness.
- What other drinks pair well with donuts? Chocolate glazed donuts pair wonderfully with a latte, cappuccino, or even a cold lemonade.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! You will see how chocolate glazed donuts quickly become a family and friends' favorite. Enjoy!