Introduction
Twisted doughnuts are a delicious and indulgent treat that blend the softness of dough with a crispy, golden exterior.
These doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a festive dessert.
With their beautiful shape and rich flavor, they bring joy to anyone who gets a bite. You don’t need to be an expert.
baker to make them, and the process is simple yet rewarding, resulting in mouthwatering doughnuts that are irresistible.
Ingredients
2-3 tablespoons of butter
1 cup of milk
1 egg
A pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of yeast
2 cups of all-purpose flour
Sugar for coating
Instructions
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Once melted, remove it from the heat and add the milk.
mixing it in well. Allow the mixture to cool to a warm temperature, as this is important for the yeast activation process.
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the sugar and the yeast. Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg with a pinch of salt until it’s fully mixed. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add the flour, a little at a time, until the dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Once the dough has reached the right consistency, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Then, roll the dough out into a rectangle shape.Cut the dough into strips, and then twist each strip into a spiral or knot shape.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the twisted doughnuts until golden brown, turning them to ensure even cooking. Once done.
remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Roll the doughnuts in sugar while they’re still warm for a sweet, sugary coating.
How to Make
Making twisted doughnuts at home involves a few simple steps that lead to a delicious outcome. Begin by preparing the yeast mixture.
ensuring that the milk isn’t too hot or too cold, as it could kill the yeast. The yeast should bubble and foam after a few minutes to indicate that it’s active, which is essential for the dough to rise properly.
When kneading the dough, take your time and don’t rush the process. Kneading helps activate the gluten in the flour.
which gives the doughnuts their light and airy texture. A good tip is to test the dough by pressing your finger into it—if it springs back, it’s ready.
After letting the dough rise, be sure to punch it down gently to remove air pockets. This prevents the doughnuts from becoming too airy and ensures they hold their shape while frying.
When twisting the dough, keep in mind that the doughnuts should be compact enough to hold together but not too tight to restrict their puffing during frying.
Frying the doughnuts is an important step to get that perfect crispy exterior. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it.
If the dough sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Be sure to turn the doughnuts during frying to prevent uneven cooking.
Once fried, sugar them while they’re still warm to ensure the sugar sticks perfectly. You can use regular granulated sugar, or add a bit of cinnamon for a classic cinnamon sugar coating.
If you prefer a sweet glaze instead of sugar, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze for a glossy finish. You can also drizzle it over them for a decorative touch.
Finally, serve your twisted doughnuts fresh and warm. They taste best the day they are made but can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Variations
Twisted doughnuts are incredibly versatile and can be customized with a variety of fillings and toppings. One popular variation is to fill the doughnuts.
with chocolate or jam before twisting them. Simply place a teaspoon of your preferred filling in the center of each strip before twisting, creating a hidden surprise inside.
For a more decadent treat, try coating your twisted doughnuts with chocolate ganache or frosting.
You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of the glaze to add texture and flavor.
If you enjoy seasonal flavors, adding spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dough can give the doughnuts a warm.
cozy flavor perfect for fall. Alternatively, mix in a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
For a healthier variation, you can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber.
You can also reduce the amount of sugar and replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Another great variation is to try different shapes. Instead of twisting the dough into spirals, you could form them into loops, knots, or even braids for a fun presentation.
You can also experiment with different toppings, such as powdered sugar, sprinkles, or even flavored sugars like lavender or rose.
These can give your doughnuts a unique touch that’s sure to impress guests.
For a savory twist, try making a savory version by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, and top them with a sprinkle of sea salt for a different, more sophisticated flavor.
Tips
One key tip for making the best twisted doughnuts is to be patient with the dough.
Allowing it to rise fully is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Skipping this step can result in dense, heavy doughnuts.
Another tip is to always test the temperature of your oil before frying. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts.
will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the doughnuts may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
When shaping your doughnuts, try to keep the strips of dough even in size. This helps them cook more evenly, leading to better results.
If you don’t have a deep fryer, a large pot with high sides will work just as well. Be sure to use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or glaze. This simple addition can elevate the taste and make the doughnuts even more aromatic.
Don’t skip the sugar coating step! It might seem simple, but rolling the doughnuts in sugar while they’re still warm creates a perfect sweet crust that complements the soft interior.
Lastly, keep your doughnuts stored in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale. If you want to reheat them, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will bring back their softness.
Conclusion
Twisted doughnuts are an easy-to-make, delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
They offer endless possibilities for customization and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is one you’ll want to try.
Homemade doughnuts bring a sense of accomplishment and warmth, making them even more special when shared with friends and family.
With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the irresistible flavor and texture of these delightful twisted treats at home.