These Soft Braided Donuts are an absolute treat that you can make right on the stovetop—no need to turn on the oven! Fluffy, light, and full of flavor with a hint of vanilla and citrus zest, these donuts are fried to golden perfection and dusted with sugar. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you're enjoying them warm with a cup of coffee or sharing them with family and friends, these donuts are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require an oven. The result is irresistibly soft and fluffy donuts with a delightful hint of citrus and vanilla. These braided donuts are fried to a perfect golden crisp on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy on the inside. They’re a fun twist on classic donuts and perfect for any occasion!
Perfect Occasion:
These soft braided donuts are perfect for weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake. They’re also a great option for holidays or celebrations, especially when you want a crowd-pleasing treat that can be made in no time.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the donuts with melted chocolate or caramel after dusting with sugar. You can also dip them in cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, fill them with pastry cream or jam for a delicious surprise inside.
Ingredients:
- 350g Manitoba flour
- 150ml milk
- 35g soft butter (remove from the fridge 1 hour before)
- 1 egg
- 7g fresh yeast (or equivalent dry yeast)
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Grated orange or lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the warm milk. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla, and citrus zest. Add the egg, soft butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. - First Rise:
Knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours. - Shape the Braids:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions of about 70g each. Roll each portion into a long rope and braid it according to the method shown in the video or simply twist into a braid shape. - Second Rise:
Let the braided dough pieces rise again for about 30 minutes. - Fry the Donuts:
Heat vegetable oil (such as peanut oil) over medium-low heat in a deep frying pan. Fry the braided donuts in batches, maintaining a constant oil temperature. Fry until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. - Coat in Sugar:
While still warm, dust the donuts with granulated sugar and powdered sugar to your liking.
Enjoy your Soft Braided Donuts—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and perfect for any time of day!