Doughnuts

Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts Recipe: A Sweet and Fluffy Delight

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, are a beloved dessert for many and a true treat for the taste buds. These sweet delights have a fascinating history, being prepared over the centuries in various cultures. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or filled, doughnuts are always a perfect choice for a special breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert. In this recipe, I will share how to make the most delicious doughnuts covered with a fine chocolate glaze, decorated with colorful sprinkles to add a touch of joy to every bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 12 doughnuts

Ingredients for the dough:
- 320 g flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 ml whole milk
- 35 g powdered sugar
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 50 g butter
- Zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the chocolate glaze:
- 100 g milk or dark chocolate (your choice)
- 25 g butter
- 1 teaspoon of heavy cream
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration

Step by step to perfect doughnuts:

1. Preparing Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this will help activate the yeast. The yeast will dissolve more easily in warm milk, and the butter will melt evenly.

2. Preparing the Dough Base: In a saucepan, add the sugar along with the milk. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not let the milk boil, just warm it up.

3. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in half of the warm milk. Mix well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

4. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk with the yeast, the remaining warm milk with sugar, the melted butter, the egg yolks, and the orange zest. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain an elastic dough.

5. Rising the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of 1 cm. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out the doughnuts. Then, use a thimble or a smaller end to cut out the center of each doughnut. Place each doughnut on a baking sheet and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

7. Frying the Doughnuts: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the temperature and fry each doughnut for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Preparing the Glaze: In a bowl, melt the chocolate with the butter over a double boiler, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate is completely melted, add the cream and mix well until you obtain a smooth, shiny glaze.

9. Glazing the Doughnuts: Meanwhile, let the doughnuts cool slightly. Dip the top of each doughnut into the chocolate glaze, then sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for an attractive visual effect.

10. Serving and Storing: Let the glaze set a little, then enjoy the doughnuts warm or at room temperature. They keep well in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but are best enjoyed fresh!

Practical Tips:
- To achieve doughnuts with a more intense flavor, try replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- If you don't have colorful sprinkles, you can use chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a delicious decoration.
- Doughnuts can be filled with various creams, jams, or chocolate, adding a personal touch to the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits:
Doughnuts are a dessert that brings joy, but it's important to consume them in moderation. The dough contains beneficial ingredients like eggs, which are a good source of protein, and butter, which provides healthy fats in moderate amounts. Enjoying them on special occasions can add a festive touch to everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Sure! Use about 5 g of dry yeast and follow the same steps for activation.
- Why do we need to let the dough rise?
Rising is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy texture in the doughnuts.

Chocolate glazed doughnuts are a perfect choice to impress guests at a party or to treat yourself on a lazy weekend morning. So, let's get to work and enjoy the magic of cooking! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!