Fresh cream doughnuts

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including proofing time)
Cook Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 doughnuts

These Fresh Cream Doughnuts are irresistibly light, soft, and pillowy with a sweet, creamy filling. This recipe combines the indulgence of homemade doughnuts with the creamy richness of fresh whipped cream, making for a decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert.

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Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for flavor)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Fresh Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon sugar doughnuts)

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Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, for the dough)
• Rolling pin
• Doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller for the hole)
• Deep frying pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag with a filling nozzle (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for the Doughnuts

Time: 15 minutes (plus proofing time)

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is activated.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg (if using). In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Combine the ingredients:
   Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the egg-butter mixture. Mix with a spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough comes together. If using a stand mixer, knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise:
   Once the dough is smooth, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

Time: 15 minutes

1. Roll out the dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Cut the doughnuts:
   Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small for the hole) to cut out the doughnut shapes. You should get about 12 doughnuts from this batch, depending on the size of your cutters.
3. Second rise:
   Place the doughnut rings on a lightly floured baking sheet or parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they puff up slightly.

Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts

Time: 3-4 minutes per batch

1. Heat the oil:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
2. Fry the doughnuts:
   Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip the doughnuts and ensure even cooking. Once fried, remove the doughnuts and transfer them to a cooling rack set over a sheet of paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Fresh Cream Filling

Time: 5 minutes

1. Whip the cream:
   In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip, or it may turn into butter.

Step 5: Coat the Doughnuts

Time: 5 minutes

1. Sugar coating (optional):
   While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar (mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) to give them that classic doughnut sweetness.

Step 6: Fill the Doughnuts

Time: 5 minutes

1. Fill the doughnuts:
   Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, use a piping bag with a filling nozzle to inject the freshly whipped cream into the center of each doughnut. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off. Carefully fill each doughnut with the whipped cream until they feel slightly heavy.

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Notes:

• Storage: Fresh cream doughnuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, as the cream can start to deflate or get soggy if stored for too long. However, you can store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• Making Ahead: You can make the dough the day before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the second rise and frying.
• Filling Variations: Instead of plain whipped cream, you can flavor the cream with chocolate ganache, vanilla bean paste, or even a fruit compote for a twist. You can also mix in a bit of mascarpone cheese to the cream for a richer filling.
• Glaze Option: If you prefer, you can glaze the doughnuts with a simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract instead of using sugar coating. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then dip the top of each doughnut into the glaze.

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These Fresh Cream Doughnuts are perfectly sweet, with a delicate, fluffy texture and a rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with family or friends, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience!