Baked Donuts: A Homemade Treat Straight from the Oven
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through the kitchen—warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. This recipe for baked donuts brings together simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method to create tender, fluffy donuts that are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the delightful process of making these delicious treats!
A Personal Touch
I still remember the first time I made these baked donuts. It was a chilly Saturday morning, and I wanted to surprise my family with a special breakfast. The process of mixing the dough, waiting for it to rise, and then baking the donuts created an anticipation that was as enjoyable as the final product. The smiles on my family’s faces when they took their first bite were priceless. Since then, these baked donuts have become a cherished part of our weekend traditions.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started on your baked donut adventure:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra for dusting
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons quick-rise instant yeast (1 sachet = 7 grams)
2/3 cup warm milk (about 110°F) – Microwave for approximately 36 seconds to achieve the right temperature.
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, divided
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup jelly or jam (without large pieces of fruit)
1/3 cup granulated sugar for rolling the donuts
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of irresistible baked donuts:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm milk, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until smooth and thoroughly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, allowing some bubbles to form on the surface.
3. Incorporate Remaining Flour
Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, adding just enough until the dough holds together and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour and knead it in the bowl for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and place it in a warm (about 100°F) oven for 45 minutes, or let it rise at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare for Baking
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning a rack in the center of the oven.
6. Shape the Donuts
Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough. Re-roll any scraps to make additional donuts if needed, ensuring you have about 12 in total. Place the shaped donuts on the prepared baking tray.
7. Second Rise
Cover the tray with a clean tea towel and let the donuts rise again in a warm (about 100°F) oven for 20 minutes, or at room temperature for about 45 minutes, until they appear puffed and slightly increased in size.
8. Bake the Donuts
Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and cooked through.
9. Finish and Coat
As soon as the donuts are out of the oven, brush them all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Immediately roll each warm donut in the bowl of granulated sugar to coat evenly.
10. Fill the Donuts
Using a pastry bag fitted with a small tip, or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, pipe the jelly or jam into each donut. Insert the tip into a deep slit made in the side of each donut and gently squeeze to fill.
11. Enjoy Your Homemade Treat
Serve your freshly baked donuts immediately while they are still warm and the filling is soft and gooey. These baked donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips for Success
Temperature Control: Ensure your milk is warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast properly without overheating.
Handling the Dough: If the dough is sticky during kneading, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Filling Technique: To fill the donuts neatly, make a deep slit in the side and gently pipe in the jelly or jam until it just starts to ooze out.
Variations and Substitutions
To suit different tastes or dietary preferences, consider these variations:
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your yeast is also gluten-free.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg yolks with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based milk and butter.
Different Fillings: Instead of jelly or jam, try filling the donuts with custard, chocolate ganache, or a cream cheese mixture.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor. You can also top the donuts with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk for extra sweetness.
Why Baked Donuts Are Worth Making
These homemade baked donuts offer all the joy of classic donuts without the deep-frying hassle. From mixing the dough to savoring the first bite, every step is a labor of love that results in tender, fluffy donuts bursting with sweet jam filling and a delightful sugary coating. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day, these baked donuts are sure to become a favorite in your home.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the irresistible pleasure of freshly baked donuts—warm, comforting, and utterly delightful. Enjoy the process and the delicious results with your loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking!