These Homemade Donuts are fluffy, soft, and bursting with fresh flavor. With a hint of lemon zest, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat at any time of day. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed plain, with a dusting of sugar, or even with your favorite glaze or filling.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including rising time)
Ingredients
- 500 grams of 00 flour (approximately 4 cups)
- 250 ml of milk (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of dry yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Sugar (for coating)
- Seed oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, warm 250 ml of milk (not too hot) and add 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of 00 flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Add the zest of 1 lemon to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the milk and yeast mixture.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add it to the mixture.
- Mix all the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll out the dough to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes from the dough.
- Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Heat seed oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
- Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
- Coat and Serve:
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in sugar to coat.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy the donuts plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Dip them in chocolate glaze or top with your favorite icing.
- Serve with a side of jam or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Cooking Tips
- Proofing: Make sure to allow the dough to rise in a warm place to achieve the fluffiest donuts.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 180°C (350°F) to ensure the donuts cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
- Cutting the Dough: Use a floured cutter to prevent the dough from sticking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor and provides vitamin C.
- Milk: Contributes calcium and protein, adding to the richness of the dough.
- Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Dairy-Free: No (contains butter and milk)
- Gluten-Free: No (contains wheat flour)
Nutritional Facts (per donut)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 2mg
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Donuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though they are best when fresh.
- Freezer: Freeze the donuts (without the sugar coating) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: These donuts have a timeless flavor that everyone loves.
- Soft and Fluffy: The 00 flour and proper proofing result in perfectly soft and fluffy donuts.
- Versatile: You can enjoy them plain, coated with sugar, or with your favorite toppings.
- Fun to Make: The process of making and shaping donuts is enjoyable and rewarding.
Conclusion
These Homemade Donuts are a delicious treat that you can enjoy at any time of day. With their soft, fluffy texture and the fresh zest of lemon, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a special occasion, these donuts are a must-try. Enjoy the process of making them from scratch and the satisfaction of biting into a freshly made donut!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown, but the texture will be slightly different from traditional fried donuts.
- What is 00 flour, and can I substitute it?
- 00 flour is a finely milled Italian flour used for making pasta and pizza dough. You can substitute it with all-purpose flour, though the texture may differ slightly.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use instant yeast. You won’t need to activate it in milk first; simply add it to the dry ingredients.
- How do I prevent the donuts from becoming greasy?
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (180°C/350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying.
- What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
- You can use two round cutters, such as a large glass and a small bottle cap, to cut the donut shapes.
- How can I add more flavor to the donuts?
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or fill the donuts with jam or custard after frying.
- How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
- The donuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides and have puffed up nicely.
- Can I glaze these donuts?
- Yes, you can dip the cooled donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or any glaze of your choice.
- How do I store leftover donuts?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy making and indulging in these classic Homemade Donuts!