Soft & Fluffy Cream Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This donut recipe creates light, soft, and fluffy donuts that melt in your mouth. The dough comes together quickly, and with minimal resting time, you can enjoy a fresh batch of homemade donuts in no time. Whether you’re new to making donuts or a seasoned baker, the process is easy to follow, and the result is nothing short of delicious.

The addition of butter and the careful frying technique ensures that these donuts are rich and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, you can customize them with sugar or your favorite filling, like whipped cream, for an extra indulgent treat!

Ingredients

• 190g milk

• 7g instant yeast

• 35g sugar

• 7g salt

• 1 egg

• 350g bread flour

• 40g soft butter

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together the yeast, sugar, salt, egg, and milk. Whisk until well combined.

2. Add in the bread flour and stir with a rubber spatula until the mixture comes together.

3. Knead the dough by hand just until it forms a cohesive ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.

4. After 15 minutes, transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Stretch the dough out and add the softened butter. Knead the dough by folding the sides together until smooth and elastic. Do not use dry flour.

5. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover it and let it rest for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. While the dough is rising, prepare a large tray with small pieces of parchment paper.

7. After the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and shape the dough as desired. (You can shape them into balls or oblong shapes.)

8. Place the shaped donuts on the parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Cover and let them proof for 10-15 minutes.

9. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat until it reaches 180°C.

10. Carefully drop each donut into the hot oil, making sure not to deflate them. It helps to lift the donut with the parchment paper, then flip it upside down in the oil. The parchment paper will release on its own.

11. Fry the donuts until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side.

12. Once golden on both sides, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool.

13. If desired, dip the cooled donuts in sugar or slice them in half and fill with whipped cream.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 12-14 donuts

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (for rising and proofing)

• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Variations

• Sugar-Coated Donuts: After frying, dip your donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an extra burst of sweetness.

• Filled Donuts: For a more indulgent treat, slit the donuts in half and fill them with whipped cream, custard, or even jam for a fruity twist.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once your donuts have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.

• Glazed Donuts: Dip your donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a smooth, shiny topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If filled with whipped cream or other perishable fillings, refrigerate them.

• Reheating: Reheat your donuts by warming them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or oven at 180°C for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a chewier, more elastic texture to the donuts.

2. How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.

3. Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil or margarine, but butter will give the donuts a richer flavor.

4. What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it by dissolving it in warm milk before using it in the recipe.

5. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a day or two. If you plan to make them ahead, refrigerate and reheat as necessary.

6. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While frying is traditional for this recipe, you can bake them at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, for a lighter version.

7. How can I tell when my donuts are fully cooked?

Donuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides. You can also test them by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are ready.

8. How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil temperature is consistent and not too hot. Fry the donuts on medium-low heat to ensure they cook evenly without absorbing excessive oil.

9. Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the donuts before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

10. How can I get my donuts to be extra fluffy?

The key to fluffy donuts is giving them enough time to rise and proof properly. Make sure the dough is kneaded well and has time to double in size during the first rise.

Conclusion

Soft & Fluffy Cream Donuts are a perfect homemade treat that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether enjoyed plain, sugar-coated, or filled with your favorite cream, these donuts offer a delicate balance of texture and flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy warm, fresh donuts right from your kitchen!