Doughnuts

Fluffy donuts with orange flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes Rest time: 15 minutes Frying time: 15 minutes Total time: 60 minutes Number of servings: 8-10 donuts

Donuts are a classic dessert, loved by everyone, and have a rich history in various cultures. These golden, fluffy delights, flavored with orange essence, are perfect for bringing a touch of happiness to any day. Whether you enjoy them in the morning with coffee or as a dessert after dinner, these donuts will surely become a family favorite.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour
- 200 g of sugar (or to taste)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml of oil for kneading + oil for frying
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1-2 tablespoons of orange essence (to taste)
- Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze for decoration

Necessary utensils:

- Large bowl for kneading
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cup or cutters for shaping
- Pot for frying
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
- Paper towels

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast

In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast with 50 ml of warm water and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar from the 200 g. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the yeast needs to be active to achieve fluffy donuts.

2. Kneading the dough

In a large bowl, add the flour, eggs, salt, orange zest, and orange essence. Once the yeast is ready, add it to the dry ingredients. Start mixing with a wooden spoon until the ingredients begin to come together.

At this point, add 100 ml of oil and knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Letting it rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, until the dough doubles in volume. This rising process is essential for achieving fluffy and airy donuts.

4. Shaping the donuts

After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Using a cup or cutter, cut out the donuts. Let the shaped donuts rest on the work surface for 15 minutes. This step helps achieve a fluffier texture.

5. Frying the donuts

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a deep pot to a temperature of about 180°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the oil is ready with a simple test: add a small piece of dough. If it rises quickly to the surface, the oil is hot enough.

Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spatula and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

6. Decorating the donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar or cover them with chocolate glaze. A simple chocolate glaze can be made by melting 100 g of chocolate with 50 ml of cream. Mix until smooth and coat the donuts.

Serving suggestions

These donuts are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of coffee or flavored tea. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.

Delicious variations

To add a touch of creativity, you can experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla essence, almond, or even cinnamon. Additionally, the donuts can be filled with fruit jam, chocolate cream, or sweet cheese for a unique taste.

Nutritional benefits

Donuts contain carbohydrates that provide quick energy, but it’s important to consume them in moderation to avoid excess calories. Whole flour can be a healthier alternative, bringing additional fiber and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast. Use about 25 g of fresh yeast.
- How can I store the donuts? Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I make donuts without eggs? Yes, you can replace the eggs with banana puree or yogurt for a vegan option.

This recipe for fluffy donuts with orange flavor is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Cooking these delights will not only bring smiles to the faces of those around you, but will also turn an ordinary day into a sweet celebration. Enjoy!