Are you craving a sweet treat but short on time? Look no further! This easy jam doughnut recipe is perfect for satisfying those sugar cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver delicious, homemade results. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Your favorite jam for filling (strawberry, raspberry, apricot – the possibilities are endless!)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, resulting in light and airy doughnuts.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. This step creates a smooth base for your dough, ensuring a consistent texture in your final product.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough doughnuts.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. A little kneading develops the gluten, contributing to the soft texture of your doughnuts.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to expand, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness and use a 3-inch cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles. Use a smaller cutter (or knife) to create a hole in the center of each doughnut.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the doughnuts on a lightly floured baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until slightly puffy. This second rise helps the doughnuts achieve maximum fluffiness and a light texture.
Step 8: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Fill and Dust
Once cooled slightly, fill each doughnut with your favorite jam. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough for a warm, spiced doughnut.
- Glaze it up: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle the doughnuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Make mini doughnuts: Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per doughnut, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade jam doughnuts! They're the perfect blend of easy preparation and delightful taste, making them a perfect addition to any occasion. Remember to share your creations with friends and family – homemade treats are always better shared!