Take the donut, my friend!

Doughnuts are a beloved treat that brings a touch of joy to every morning or festive meal. This recipe for fluffy and delicious doughnuts will not only delight your taste buds but also turn your time in the kitchen into a fun-filled experience, especially when the kids are involved! Get ready to enjoy incredible flavors and playful shapes that you can create!

Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for rising)
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12-15 doughnuts

Ingredients

- 120 ml warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (about 16 g)
- 1 jar of Milli buttercream (or any other preferred buttercream)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 550 g flour (white flour or a combination with whole wheat for added nutrients can be used)
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding all the ingredients into the bread machine in the following order: warm milk, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, buttercream, yeast, salt, and finally, flour. Make sure the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt to avoid inhibiting its activity. Select the "knead + rise" program and let the machine do its magic. This process will take about 1 hour and a half.

2. Shaping the doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and remove the dough. Roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of 1-1.5 cm. Using a glass or a cookie cutter, cut out various shapes: flowers, stars, and circles. This step is perfect for involving the kids! Let them use their imagination to create fun shapes.

3. Creating twists
For the twists, cut the dough into rectangular strips. Slit each strip in the middle, then pass one end through the slit to form a small knot. This technique will add a playful look and make the doughnuts more interesting.

4. Frying the doughnuts
In a deep pan, pour enough oil to cover the doughnuts. Heat the oil to a medium temperature (about 180°C). When the oil is hot, carefully add the doughnuts, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a spatula to carefully flip them.

5. Finishing and serving
Once the doughnuts are fried, remove them and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Then, generously dust them with powdered sugar. These doughnuts are delicious both warm and cold.

Helpful tips

- Frying oil: Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the doughnuts to prevent excessive oil absorption.
- Powdered sugar: You can also add a bit of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Variations: Instead of powdered sugar, you can glaze the doughnuts with melted chocolate or fill them with jam, chocolate cream, or various fruit creams.
- Serving: These doughnuts pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. They can also be served with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits

These doughnuts are a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The eggs add protein, while the buttercream offers healthy fats. Depending on the flour used, you can also get a higher fiber intake, which aids in healthy digestion.

Calories

One doughnut contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and added ingredients. It’s a delicious choice but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, whole wheat flour can be used for added nutrients. Keep in mind it may change the texture of the doughnuts, making them denser.
- Can I freeze the doughnuts? Yes, the doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags.
- How can I make the doughnuts less greasy? You can try baking them instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.

These doughnuts are not only a quick dessert but also a delightful family activity. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a party, your doughnuts will quickly become everyone’s favorite! Give them a try and enjoy every moment of making them!