Doughnuts

Fluffy donuts with vanilla and cinnamon flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 50 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will focus on a recipe that brings joy and nostalgia: fluffy donuts. These golden treats are not just a dessert but a true culinary experience, full of flavors and textures that will delight your senses.

The origins of donuts are lost in history, but we know for sure that they have been prepared and enjoyed throughout time in various cultures, becoming a symbol of goodness and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. I suggest you brighten your day with these fluffy donuts, perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 250 - 300 ml milk (I recommend using whole milk for a richer texture)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (I recommend using sunflower or canola oil, which have a higher smoke point)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- Rum and vanilla extracts (for an extra flavor)
- Vanilla sugar (for dusting)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, put the flour and add a pinch of salt. In a saucepan, heat the milk together with the sugar, cinnamon, coconut, extracts, and lemon zest. Stir gently and let it heat until the sugar dissolves, but do not boil it. It is important to have the milk warm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

Step 2: Activating the yeast
Break the yeast into small pieces and add a little of the warm milk. Using a fork, gently mix the yeast with the milk until a paste forms. Continue to gradually add the warm milk, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Incorporate the eggs into the flour mixture, followed by the yeast mixture. Add the oil and knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you feel that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as we want fluffy donuts, not hard ones.

Step 4: Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 45-50 minutes. The dough should double in volume and become airy.

Step 5: Shaping the donuts
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal parts. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough, but do not make it too thin – the donuts will be fluffier if the sheet is thicker. Use a glass or a cutter to form circles.

Step 6: Frying the donuts
In a deep skillet, heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of about 180 degrees Celsius. Place the donuts in the hot oil, one or two at a time, depending on the size of the skillet. Fry them until golden on both sides (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

Step 7: Serving
Once the donuts are fried, remove them onto a kitchen towel to absorb the excess oil. Dust them with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. You can serve them plain or fill them with jam, chocolate, or vanilla cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving suggestions:
These donuts are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with warm chocolate sauce or ice cream, turning them into a special dessert.

Possible variations:
For a more intense flavor, you can also add a little almond extract to the mixture. Additionally, if you want to enrich them with fruits, you can add pieces of caramelized apples or pears to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g, and the process will be similar.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
The donuts can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Is it possible to make them dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the milk with almond milk or another type of plant-based milk.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of donuts (about 2 donuts) contains approximately 250-300 calories, but this number may vary depending on the preparation method and ingredients used. Donuts are a source of quickly digestible carbohydrates, but consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

In the end, making these fluffy donuts is not just a simple recipe but an opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! An unforgettable experience awaits you!