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Easy Donut Tresse

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Written By Hayyat

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Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting time for the dough)

Servings: 6-8 donuts


Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill your frying pan or pot about 3 inches deep)

For the Glaze (optional but recommended):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl for the dough
  • Frying pan or deep pot for frying (or a deep fryer if available)
  • Baking sheet (to rest the dough before frying)
  • Rolling pin for shaping the dough
  • Slotted spoon for removing donuts from the oil
  • Wire rack for draining the donuts
  • Small bowl for glazing

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Time: 10 minutes (plus rising time)

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined into a sticky dough.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Time: 1 hour (or until doubled in size)

  1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
  2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is an important step to ensure your donuts will be soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Tresse (Braids)

Time: 10 minutes

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
  2. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 6-8 strips, depending on how large you want your donuts.
  3. Braid the dough: Take three strips of dough and begin to braid them together, just like you would braid hair. Press the ends together at the top and pinch the ends at the bottom to seal them. Repeat for the remaining dough strips.
  4. Rest the braids: Place the braided donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover the donuts with a clean towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the oil for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Donut Tresse

Time: 5-7 minutes

  1. Heat the oil: In a frying pan or deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
  2. Fry the donuts: Carefully place one braided donut at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil.
  3. Remove and drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them onto a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts (Optional)

Time: 5 minutes

  1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Add more milk if you want a thinner glaze.
  2. Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. You can also sprinkle the donuts with sprinkles or colored sugar for a fun touch.
  3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Time: 2-3 minutes

  1. Serve the donut tresse warm for the best flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or dessert. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk!

Notes:

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. After the first rise, punch down the dough, shape it, and braid it the next day, allowing it to rest and rise before frying.
  • Flavor Variations: You can infuse the dough with different flavors by adding ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest. For a chocolate version, dip the donuts in chocolate ganache or sprinkle cocoa powder on top.
  • Healthier Options: For a slightly healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar in the dough and glaze to suit your preferences.
  • Frying Alternative: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake these braided donuts instead. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the braided donuts for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Unique and Fun: The braided shape makes these donuts visually striking, and the technique is simple enough to follow even for beginner bakers.
  • Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
  • Versatile: You can customize these donut tresses by experimenting with different glazes, toppings, or fillings, from classic chocolate glaze to fruit jams or cream cheese fillings.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: This recipe creates a bakery-quality donut without a complicated process. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Easy Donut Tresse brings a fun twist to your traditional donut, combining the best of both worlds with an elegant braided presentation and a soft, delicious texture. Whether you choose to glaze them with a sweet vanilla glaze or top them with sprinkles, these braided donuts are sure to become your new favorite homemade treat. Enjoy!

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