Description
These cream-filled donuts are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, fluffy fried dough filled with luscious whipped cream, and optionally enhanced with chocolate or Nutella. Perfectly golden and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of lightness and rich sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying (enough to fill a deep pan about 2 inches)
Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Nutella or chocolate cream spread (optional)
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Nutella or chocolate cream (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Knead and proof dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until soft, smooth, and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape donuts: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness and use a round cutter to cut out circles for the donuts.
- Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool completely before filling.
- Prepare cream filling: Using a mixer, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. For chocolate variation, gently fold in Nutella or chocolate cream spread.
- Fill the donuts: Fit a piping bag with a long nozzle and fill each donut by injecting the whipped cream mixture inside.
- Finish and serve: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar. Optionally, garnish with a swirl of Nutella or chocolate cream on top for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is consistent at 350°F to achieve perfectly fried donuts without oil absorption.
- Cold heavy cream whips better, so chill it along with the mixing bowl before whipping.
- Dough should be soft but not sticky; adjust flour as needed during kneading.
- Donuts should be cooled completely before filling to prevent melting the cream filling.
- Use a piping bag with a long nozzle to efficiently fill the donuts without damaging their shape.
