Fluffy chocolate donuts

Fluffy chocolate donuts - a treat that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones! These donuts are so easy to make and so delicious that you'll wonder why you haven't made them before. I present to you a recipe that blends tradition with a touch of magic, perfect for a weekend day or to pamper the kids. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 donuts

Your magical ingredients:
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 75 g melted butter
- 200 ml warm milk
- 50 ml warm mineral water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 sachets vanilla sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- a pinch of salt
- about 500 g flour (may vary depending on humidity)
- oil for frying
- powdered sugar for decoration
- Finetti or Nutella to fill the donuts

A short story about donuts:
Donuts have a long and fascinating history, being a beloved treat in many cultures around the world. From simple desserts to sophisticated delicacies, they have evolved over time, bringing joy to people's tables. Today, fluffy chocolate donuts are appreciated for their airy texture and decadent filling, making them ideal for any occasion.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast:
Start by making the yeast, mixing 25 g of fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and 50 ml of warm mineral water. Let the mixture rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. It's the perfect time to enjoy the enticing aroma of the activating yeast!

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the egg and yolk with the 3 sachets of vanilla sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. Add the grated lemon zest, which will provide a fresh taste and wonderful aroma.

3. Combining the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix 400-450 g of flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast, the egg mixture, and 200 ml of warm milk. Mix everything well until homogeneous.

4. Adding the butter:
Gradually add the melted butter, mixing with a spatula. You will notice how the dough begins to become more elastic.

5. Kneading the dough:
Dust the work surface with the remaining flour and knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. It is important to pay attention to this step to achieve fluffy and airy donuts!

6. Letting the dough rise:
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour. The dough will rise beautifully, preparing to become the most delicious donuts.

7. Shaping the donuts:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to form a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a glass to cut out circles of dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 30 minutes.

8. Frying the donuts:
Heat the oil in a deep pan over low heat. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don't rush to ensure they are cooked evenly!

9. Filling and decorating:
After the donuts have cooled, fill them with Finetti or Nutella using a pastry bag or syringe to ensure each donut gets its share of chocolate. Dust them with powdered sugar for a delicious appearance.

Serving suggestions:
These fluffy chocolate donuts are best served warm, alongside a glass of warm milk or a cup of hot chocolate. Thinking of a family afternoon, they will add a touch of magic and joy!

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add some chopped nuts or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture. You can also try filling them with fruit jam or vanilla cream to add a variety of flavors.

Nutritional information and calories:
Each donut contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Donuts are a source of carbohydrates and fats, but in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the addition of chocolate brings beneficial antioxidants for health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the appropriate proportions. Usually, 7 g of dry yeast will be enough for this recipe.

2. Why doesn't the dough rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the place where you let the dough rise is warm. If the temperature is too low, the yeast will not activate.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled donuts. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, you can reheat them in the oven.

These fluffy chocolate donuts are not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. So put on your chef's clothes and let's enjoy this culinary adventure!