Fluffy baked donuts

Fluffy Baked Donuts: A Sweet and Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't love donuts? These fluffy delights are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even desserts. Baked donuts are a healthier alternative to fried ones, offering that soft and tasty texture without adding oil. In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to achieve perfect, delicious, and aromatic donuts that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:
- 450 g flour (make sure it's of good quality for the best results)
- 230 ml milk (ideally at room temperature to activate the yeast)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 80 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 7 g dried yeast (or a cube of fresh yeast)
- Lemon essence (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:
1. We start by preparing the yeast mixture, an essential step for fluffy donuts. In a small bowl, combine 7 g of dried yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 50 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Mix well and let it sit for 20 minutes until the mixture is frothy and doubles in volume.

2. In a large bowl, sift 450 g of flour, then make a well in the center of the flour. Here, add the beaten egg, the remaining sugar (30 g), lemon essence, the remaining milk (180 ml), and about 50 g of soft butter. Using a fork or spatula, mix the ingredients until they start to combine.

3. When the dough becomes homogeneous, add the remaining butter (50 g) and salt. Knead the dough with your hands for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the donuts will become denser.

4. Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from cold drafts, for 90 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

5. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 0.8 - 0.9 cm. Use a round cutter about 5-6 cm in diameter to cut out the donuts. With a smaller cutter, cut out the center of each donut. If you are feeling creative, you can shape the donuts into various forms, like animals, as my daughter once did.

6. Place the cut donuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a space of 2-3 cm between them. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another hour.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the donuts for 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden. Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.

8. Finally, dust the donuts with powdered sugar and serve them warm to enjoy their fluffy aroma and texture.

Serving suggestions:
- These donuts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with fruit jam or melted chocolate for an extra flavor boost.
- You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for an additional aromatic touch.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dried yeast?
Yes, you can use 25 g of fresh yeast, dissolving it in the warm milk.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Absolutely! Place them in an airtight container and frozen, they can be kept for up to 3 months. Dust them with powdered sugar after thawing.

Nutritional benefits:
These donuts are a good source of carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. The butter adds healthy fats, while the egg contributes essential proteins. By adding lemon essence, you not only enhance their flavor but also boost their vitamin C content.

Variations:
- You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to the dough for a different taste.
- Instead of lemon essence, you can use vanilla essence for a different flavor profile.

I wish you happy cooking and hope you enjoy these fluffy baked donuts with your loved ones! Sweet memories are always sweeter when shared with a delicious dessert.