Very fluffy donuts

Fluffy Doughnuts: The Delight of Childhood

I invite you to join me on a culinary journey filled with flavors and nostalgia, where we will prepare the fluffiest doughnuts, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These doughnuts are not just a quick dessert, but also a sweet memory from childhood, when every bite brought smiles and moments of joy.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 doughnuts

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g of flour
- 120 g of butter or margarine (preferably at room temperature)
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rum (for a sophisticated taste)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Zest of one lemon (for flavor)
- 5 egg yolks (fresh, for better texture)
- 350 ml of warm milk
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Vanilla sugar (optional, for a delicious aroma)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it and remove any impurities. In another bowl, rub the fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until it becomes a smooth paste. Add a little warm milk and a few tablespoons of flour, mixing gently. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the yeast rise for about 15 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the salt using a fork or whisk until frothy. Gradually add the rum and the remaining milk, continuing to mix. In the bowl with flour, add the softened butter, lemon zest, and the egg yolk mixture. Finally, add the risen yeast. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients, then start kneading the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 3: Doubling in volume
Cover the bowl with the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour. This is the perfect time to prepare your thoughts for filling the doughnuts with sweets or creams according to your preferences.

Step 4: Shaping the doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 2 cm thick. Use a glass (preferably a larger one) to cut circles from the dough. The leftover dough can be rolled out again, and you can shape it into croissants, adding a touch of creativity.

Step 5: Second rising
Place the dough circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover them with a clean towel and let them rise again, this time for 29 minutes, until they become fluffy.

Step 6: Frying the doughnuts
In a deep frying pan or pot, add enough oil for frying and heat it. You can check the oil temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready. Place the doughnuts top-side down in the hot oil, cover the pan with a lid, and let them fry for about 3 minutes. Then, turn them over and continue frying without a lid until they become golden.

Step 7: Finishing and serving
Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle them with powdered sugar mixed with vanilla sugar for an attractive appearance. These doughnuts can be served warm or cold, filled with vanilla cream or other sweet fillings, depending on your preferences.

Useful tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a better dough.
- You can replace the rum with vanilla essence or another preferred essence, according to your taste.
- If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but the doughnuts will have a different texture.
- Doughnuts can be served with a warm drink, such as mint tea or hot chocolate, for a perfect experience.

Nutritional benefits:
These doughnuts are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy. The egg yolks bring quality proteins and essential vitamins. Moderation is key, but enjoying a doughnut from time to time is certainly not a bad thing.

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 proportion indicated on the package (usually 1/3 of the amount of fresh yeast).

2. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can turn it into sweet rolls or various pastries.

3. How can I keep the doughnuts fresh?
Doughnuts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Let your imagination soar and don't hesitate to experiment with various fillings for your doughnuts! Whether you choose a classic vanilla cream filling or a unique combination, every bite will be an explosion of flavors and aromas. Enjoy this process and the final result!