The fluffy doughnuts are that sweet treat that reminds us of childhood, of moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. These airy, slightly golden delights, dusted with vanilla sugar, are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert. In the following, I will guide you step by step in making some special doughnuts that are sure to impress everyone.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 doughnuts
Necessary ingredients
- 600 g white flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 50 g butter, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered vanilla sugar for decoration
Preparation steps
Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by activating the yeast, an essential step for fluffy and tender doughnuts. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with honey and 2-3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 20 minutes. During this time, the yeast will start to ferment, forming bubbles, a sign that it is active.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the 600 g of white flour. Do this step carefully, as sifting the flour helps to aerate it, making the doughnuts lighter. In the center of the flour, create a well and add the activated starter, the beaten egg, the rest of the milk in which you dissolved the sugar, and the salt. With a spatula or your hands, begin to incorporate the ingredients.
Step 3: Kneading the dough
As the ingredients combine, gradually add the soft butter and oil. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. You should obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, to avoid making the doughnuts too dense.
Step 4: First rising
After kneading the dough well, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour. The dough should double in volume.
Step 5: Shaping the doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the doughnuts on a floured board and let them rise for 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: Frying the doughnuts
Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep pan and let it heat up well. Check the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle, it’s ready for frying. Fry the doughnuts on both sides until they turn golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain a constant oil temperature.
Step 7: Decorating the doughnuts
After removing them onto a platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil, generously dust them with powdered vanilla sugar. This will not only add a delicious taste but also an appetizing appearance.
Serving suggestions
Fluffy doughnuts are delicious when served warm. You can accompany them with a cup of hot chocolate or aromatic coffee for a special breakfast. You can also experiment with fillings like fruit jam, chocolate cream, or sweet cheese for a more sophisticated version.
Tips and useful advice
- Use ingredients at room temperature, as they will combine better and help the doughnuts rise evenly.
- If you want to save time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance, leaving it in the fridge. Make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
- Doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely, then you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutritional benefits
These doughnuts, although a dessert, can provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar. The butter adds healthy fats, and the egg contributes essential proteins. However, it is best to consume them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the activation steps according to the instructions on the package.
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the ambient temperature is suitable (between 25-30°C). If it’s too cold, the dough will rise very slowly.
- How can I make the doughnuts less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and serve them with jam or other sweet fillings.
Fluffy doughnuts are a simple recipe, yet full of joy and nostalgia. Regardless of the occasion, these doughnuts will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Try making them and let yourself be carried away by their wonderful aroma! Enjoy!
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 doughnuts
Necessary ingredients
- 600 g white flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 50 g butter, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered vanilla sugar for decoration
Preparation steps
Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by activating the yeast, an essential step for fluffy and tender doughnuts. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with honey and 2-3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 20 minutes. During this time, the yeast will start to ferment, forming bubbles, a sign that it is active.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the 600 g of white flour. Do this step carefully, as sifting the flour helps to aerate it, making the doughnuts lighter. In the center of the flour, create a well and add the activated starter, the beaten egg, the rest of the milk in which you dissolved the sugar, and the salt. With a spatula or your hands, begin to incorporate the ingredients.
Step 3: Kneading the dough
As the ingredients combine, gradually add the soft butter and oil. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. You should obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, to avoid making the doughnuts too dense.
Step 4: First rising
After kneading the dough well, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour. The dough should double in volume.
Step 5: Shaping the doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the doughnuts on a floured board and let them rise for 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: Frying the doughnuts
Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep pan and let it heat up well. Check the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough; if it starts to sizzle, it’s ready for frying. Fry the doughnuts on both sides until they turn golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain a constant oil temperature.
Step 7: Decorating the doughnuts
After removing them onto a platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil, generously dust them with powdered vanilla sugar. This will not only add a delicious taste but also an appetizing appearance.
Serving suggestions
Fluffy doughnuts are delicious when served warm. You can accompany them with a cup of hot chocolate or aromatic coffee for a special breakfast. You can also experiment with fillings like fruit jam, chocolate cream, or sweet cheese for a more sophisticated version.
Tips and useful advice
- Use ingredients at room temperature, as they will combine better and help the doughnuts rise evenly.
- If you want to save time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance, leaving it in the fridge. Make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
- Doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely, then you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutritional benefits
These doughnuts, although a dessert, can provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar. The butter adds healthy fats, and the egg contributes essential proteins. However, it is best to consume them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the activation steps according to the instructions on the package.
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the ambient temperature is suitable (between 25-30°C). If it’s too cold, the dough will rise very slowly.
- How can I make the doughnuts less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and serve them with jam or other sweet fillings.
Fluffy doughnuts are a simple recipe, yet full of joy and nostalgia. Regardless of the occasion, these doughnuts will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Try making them and let yourself be carried away by their wonderful aroma! Enjoy!
Ingredients
600g white flour, 200 ml milk, 30 g fresh yeast, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 50 g butter, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 pinch of salt, oil for frying, powdered vanilla sugar for dusting.