Heavenly Fluffy Baked Donuts: A Lighter Take on a Sweet Classic

Enjoy the delightful texture and taste of these fluffy baked donuts, a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts that doesn’t compromise on flavor. These donuts are soft and airy, made with a yeast-based dough that includes a touch of vanilla for a hint of richness. Fresh out of the oven, they’re brushed with melted butter and rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a deliciously comforting treat. Choose to savor them plain or elevate them with a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.

Why You’ll Love This: These baked donuts are perfect for those who love the warm, comforting flavors of classic donuts but prefer a lighter, less greasy option. The recipe allows for the satisfaction of baking from scratch, including the delightful anticipation as the scent of baking donuts fills your kitchen. These donuts are not only delicious but also versatile, providing a wonderful base for a variety of toppings.

Perfect Occasion: These fluffy baked donuts are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a mid-afternoon snack. They’re also perfect for social gatherings like coffee meetings, children’s parties, or family weekends. Serve them during the holidays or special celebrations to bring a homemade touch to your festive table.

Decoration Tips: For a festive touch, after brushing with butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar, drizzle the donuts with melted chocolate—dark, milk, or white, depending on your preference. You can also top them with colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a light glaze. To serve, arrange them on a pretty platter or stack them on a cake stand to make them even more inviting.

Ingredients:

• Dough:
  • 300 g flour (divided into 100 g and 200 g)
  • 70 g sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 7 g dry yeast
  • 160 ml warm milk
  • 50 g melted butter
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Topping:
  • 20 g melted butter (for brushing)
  • 50 g sugar (to roll donuts in)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Optional chocolate for drizzling

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 100 g of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
2. First Rise: Allow the mixture to sit and rise in a warm spot for about 10 minutes. Then, incorporate the remaining 200 g of flour and knead the dough for 5 minutes, either by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Let the dough rise for another hour in a warm spot until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Donuts: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 12-16 small rectangles.
4. Second Rise: Place the cut dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing some space for expansion. Let them rise again for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the donuts for 10-14 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
6. Add Toppings: While the donuts are still hot, brush them with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra sweet finish.

Enjoy these fluffy baked donuts warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, for a truly delightful treat that’s sure to please any crowd!