Are you craving something sweet, something incredibly satisfying, something that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Then look no further! This fried chocolate donut recipe is your answer. Forget those store-bought donuts – these homemade beauties are fluffy, intensely chocolatey, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that's surprisingly simple to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your easy recipes repertoire.
Ingredients:
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is a crucial step to ensure your donuts rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Don't be tempted to add all the flour at once; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter to create the hole) to cut out the donuts.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Fry the Donuts
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Glaze
While the donuts are frying, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 10: Glaze and Enjoy
Dip the warm donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to cool and set. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate donuts!
Tips for the Best Fried Chocolate Donuts:
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Variations:
- Add cocoa powder to the dough for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
- Sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or chopped nuts after glazing.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea, satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade, delicious dish. It's also a great way to impress friends and family with your homemade cooking skills! These fried chocolate donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe book, adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion.