Donuts with yogurt and chocolate

Yogurt and chocolate donuts: a sweet delicacy that will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. These fluffy donuts, filled with delicious chocolate, are perfect for a special breakfast, a sweet snack, or even the perfect dessert for an evening with friends. Preparing them may seem like a challenge, but I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Necessary ingredients:

For the donuts:
- 100 ml warm milk
- 350 g yogurt (preferably Greek, for a creamier texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 10 g dry yeast
- About 800 g flour (or as needed for a soft dough)
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

For the filling:
- 100 g dark chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate for an intense flavor)
- 50 ml liquid cream (for added creaminess)

Step 1: Preparing the chocolate filling

Start by melting the dark chocolate together with the liquid cream. Use a small pot and a low heat, being careful not to reach boiling point, as the chocolate can seize. Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth mixture. Once melted, let the chocolate cool to room temperature. It is essential for it to be firm enough to be used as a filling.

Step 2: Activating the yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as activating the yeast will ensure the donuts have a fluffy and airy texture.

Step 3: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl or a bread machine, add the flour, beaten eggs, sugar, melted butter, yogurt, and vanilla essence. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the center. If using a bread machine, select the kneading and rising program. If kneading by hand, mix the ingredients until you have a homogeneous dough, then knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

Step 4: Rising the dough

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. Rising is essential for achieving fluffy donuts, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Shaping the donuts

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it in two and roll each piece into a thick sheet about 0.5 cm thick. On one of the sheets, place a teaspoon of the chocolate filling, leaving a little space between each mound. Cover with the other sheet of dough and gently press to seal the chocolate inside. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out the donuts, ensuring each donut has the delicious filling.

Step 6: Frying the donuts

In a deep pan, heat the oil over low heat. It is important for the oil to be well heated but not boiling, to ensure even frying of the donuts. Add the donuts, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Remove them onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil.

Step 7: Serving

The donuts can be served warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and exceptional taste. You can also add a serving of whipped cream or ice cream alongside, to turn them into an even more decadent dessert. These yogurt and chocolate donuts are perfect to enjoy with a warm tea or a fragrant coffee.

Helpful tips:

1. Choose quality ingredients: Using good quality chocolate will make a difference in the final taste of the donuts.
2. Check the dough texture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If you add too much flour, the donuts will become dense.
3. Oil temperature: Oil that is too cold will cause the donuts to absorb too much oil, while oil that is too hot will burn them. Test the temperature with a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
4. Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams, cream cheese, or even nuts and raisins for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

These yogurt donuts are healthier than traditional donuts, thanks to the yogurt that adds protein and calcium. Additionally, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can have health benefits. Depending on the serving size, each donut has approximately 150-200 calories.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast; just make sure to dissolve it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.
2. How can I store the donuts? The donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Heat them slightly in the microwave before serving to restore their fluffiness.
3. Can I freeze them? Yes, the donuts can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer bag.

Yogurt and chocolate donuts are undoubtedly an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you prepare them for a lazy morning or as a surprise dessert, they will surely bring joy and flavor in every bite. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with your friends – they will surely love it!