strawberry filled donuts

Strawberry Filled Donuts Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
   • Cook until the strawberries start to break down and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
   • If you want a thicker filling, add the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warmed milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
   • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
3. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
4. Shape the Donuts:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thick.
   • Use a round cutter to cut out donuts (about 3 inches in diameter). Use a smaller cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut out the center holes if desired.
   • Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and cover them with a kitchen towel. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts:
   • Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few donuts into the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
   • Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining donuts.
6. Fill the Donuts:
   • Once the donuts are cooled slightly, use a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each donut with the cooled strawberry filling. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
   • Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
8. Serve:
   • Enjoy your Strawberry Filled Donuts fresh! They are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.

Tips

• Filling Alternatives: You can use other fruits or jams as a filling, like raspberry, blueberry, or lemon curd.
• Baking Option: If you prefer baked donuts, you can use a donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
• Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top instead of glaze for a different finish.

Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Filled Donuts with your family and friends! They’re sure to be a hit!