Sweet cheese donuts

Sweet Cheese Donuts - A Fluffy and Flavorful Delight

There are moments in life when a simple donut can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. These sweet cheese donuts are exactly the type of recipe that brings a smile to anyone's face. Fluffy, aromatic, and incredibly delicious, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Moreover, making them is a pleasure, and the final result is simply irresistible.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 5-8 minutes (depending on the size of the donuts)
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 12 donuts

Ingredients:
- 400 g sweet cheese
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 400 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons rum essence (or vanilla, according to preference)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Ingredient tips:
1. Sweet cheese: Choose a fresh, high-quality cheese for a more intense flavor. You can opt for cottage cheese or ricotta, depending on your preference.
2. Sugar: White sugar pairs perfectly with sweet cheese, but for a deeper flavor, you can use brown sugar.
3. Essence: Rum essence adds a delicious fragrance, but if you prefer a more classic taste, vanilla sugar may be enough.

Preparation technique:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the sweet cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough.
2. In a large bowl, place the sweet cheese and add the sugar. Use a spoon or whisk to mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated.
3. Add the two eggs to the cheese mixture and mix again. This will add moisture and help the dough's lightness.
4. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Ensure the milk is not too hot, as it could kill the yeast. Once the yeast is activated (it should become frothy), add it to the cheese and egg mixture.
5. Next, add the vanilla sugar and rum essence. This step will make the donuts not only delicious but also aromatic!
6. The mixture will be very soft, so start gradually incorporating the flour. You may not need the entire amount of flour, so add until you achieve a suitable consistency for a soft dough that doesn't stick to your hands.
7. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 25-30 minutes in a warm place. This step is crucial as the yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.

Shaping the donuts:
1. After the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even - these are rustic donuts, and imperfections add charm!
2. Using a glass, cut circles from the dough. You can create classic donuts or, if you want to try something different, cut a smaller circle in the middle to make American-style donuts with a hole.
3. In a deep skillet, heat the oil to medium temperature. Check the temperature by throwing in a small piece of dough - if it floats and bubbles, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the donuts on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as they need space to brown evenly.
5. After frying, remove the donuts onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and finally dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving:
These donuts are best served warm when they are fluffy and aromatic. You can choose to pair them with fruit jam, sour cream, or even a chocolate glaze for an extra flavor boost. Serve them at a family meal, a gathering with friends, or simply to indulge yourself on a lazy weekend morning.

Variations:
1. Chocolate donuts: Add chocolate chips to the cheese mixture for an extra sweetness.
2. Fruit donuts: Try adding some caramelized apple or pear pieces to the dough for an even more interesting flavor.
3. Flavored donuts: Experiment with various flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to add a touch of originality.

Nutritional benefits:
These sweet cheese donuts are a good source of protein thanks to the eggs and cheese, and the sugar provides the energy needed to start the day strong. Of course, moderation is key, but a fluffy, warm donut can only improve your mood!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent choice, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a wet dough.

2. How can I store the donuts?
Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fluffy. You can gently reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, the donuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.

So now that you know how to prepare these sweet cheese donuts, all that's left is to get to work! Treat yourself and your loved ones to these warm, fluffy delights, and don’t forget to share your cooking stories from your kitchen! Enjoy!