This revolutionary donut recipe uses an innovative two-step cooking method that creates extraordinarily fluffy, perfectly shaped donuts that never fade or lose their form. By pre-baking the donuts in the oven before frying, you achieve a tender interior and golden exterior that’s impossible to replicate with traditional frying alone. These donuts are so light and airy, they practically melt in your mouth, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (250ml / 8.5 fl oz)
- 5g dry yeast (1/2 packet / 1.5 tsp)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (30g / 1 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 500g high-protein flour (4.5 cups / 17.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 60g butter, room temperature (4 tablespoons / 2 oz)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate sauce for dipping
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Incorporate butter: Add the room temperature butter to the dough. This step is crucial and may take 10-15 minutes of kneading. The butter must be at room temperature for proper incorporation.
- Knead thoroughly: Continue kneading the dough by hand or with a stand mixer until it becomes smooth, elastic, and doesn’t break when stretched. The dough should be strong and well-developed.
Shaping the Donuts
- Divide the dough: Split the dough into 12 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 95g. This ensures uniform cooking and perfect portion sizes.
- Shape into balls: Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a lightly floured surface.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 20 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier.
- Create donut shapes: After resting, gently press each ball into a small bowl shape, then use your finger to create a hole in the center, forming the classic donut shape.
- Final shaping: Shape any remaining dough scraps into small balls for donut holes.
The Revolutionary Two-Step Cooking Method
- Pre-bake in oven: Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. This step cooks the interior while keeping the outside pale.
- Remove before browning: Take the donuts out of the oven before they develop any color. They should be set but still pale.
- Heat oil for frying: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the donuts completely.
- Quick fry for color: Carefully lower the pre-baked donuts into the hot oil. Fry for only 30 seconds on very low heat until they turn golden brown. The exterior will brown immediately due to the pre-baking.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the donuts from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Finishing Touches
- Dust with powdered sugar: While still warm, roll the donuts in powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Prepare chocolate dipping: For children or chocolate lovers, prepare chocolate sauce for dipping or drizzling over the donuts.
Why This Method Works
The two-step cooking process ensures the donuts cook evenly throughout while maintaining their shape and achieving maximum fluffiness. The pre-baking step sets the structure and cooks the interior, while the brief frying adds the perfect golden color and slight crispness to the exterior.
Storage and Serving
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts for up to 1 month.
Tips for Success
The butter must be at room temperature for proper incorporation. Don’t rush the kneading process, as developing the gluten properly is crucial for the texture. Monitor the oil temperature carefully during frying to prevent burning.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Rising Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Frying Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Nutrition Information (per donut)
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
This innovative donut recipe transforms the traditional approach to homemade donuts by introducing a pre-baking step that ensures perfect texture every time. The result is donuts that are incredibly fluffy, maintain their shape beautifully, and have a professional bakery-quality appearance and taste. The two-step method might seem unconventional, but it’s this unique approach that creates donuts worthy of an award. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate, these donuts will become a family favorite that everyone will request the recipe for.