Italian Donuts, or “Ciambelle,” are a delightful treat featuring a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, slightly crisp exterior. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, and can be enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or filled with your favorite creams or jams. With this easy homemade recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Italian donuts straight to your kitchen.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 3½ cups (450 g)
- Dry Yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
- Granulated Sugar: ⅓ cup (65 g)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Milk: ¾ cup (180 ml), warm
- Butter: ¼ cup (60 g), softened
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Powdered Sugar or Granulated Sugar: For dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps as needed.
- Second Rise:
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust and Serve:
- While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in granulated sugar. Serve immediately.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Nutella or jam for dipping.
- Fill the donuts with custard, pastry cream, or chocolate ganache.
- Enjoy with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian experience.
- Top with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed nuts.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla gelato.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast effectively.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct frying temperature to avoid soggy donuts.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain even cooking.
- For a fluffier texture, allow the dough to rise fully during both proofing stages.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent results.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Milk: Adds calcium and a slight creaminess to the dough.
- Butter: Enhances flavor and adds richness.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free milk and butter for a dairy-free option)
Nutritional Facts (Per Donut)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended, as refrigeration can dry out the donuts.
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy texture with a crispy, golden exterior.
- Versatile toppings and fillings for endless variations.
- Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.
- Easy to prepare with pantry staples.
- Authentic Italian flavor in a homemade treat.
Conclusion
Italian Donuts are a delicious and comforting treat that’s sure to bring smiles to your table. Whether dusted with sugar or filled with your favorite cream, these fluffy delights are irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe makes it easy to create bakery-quality donuts in your own kitchen.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these donuts instead of frying? Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then brush with melted butter and coat with sugar.
- Can I use instant yeast? Yes, use the same amount, but skip the activation step and mix directly with the dry ingredients.
- How do I fill the donuts? Use a piping bag with a small nozzle to inject custard, jam, or cream into the donuts after frying.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be denser. Use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.
- How do I know when the oil is ready for frying? Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the surface.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
- What can I use instead of butter? Margarine or coconut oil works as a substitute.
- How do I prevent the donuts from being greasy? Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and drain on paper towels immediately after frying.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze the dough after shaping. Thaw, let rise, and fry as directed.
- What toppings work best? Powdered sugar, granulated sugar, chocolate glaze, or cinnamon sugar are all delicious options.
Enjoy making and devouring these delightful Italian donuts! 🍩✨