Baked Donuts Recipe

These Baked Donuts are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with your favorite jelly or jam for a sweet surprise inside. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these baked treats are easy to make and delightfully delicious!

Makes: 12 donuts

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided, plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet = 7 grams)
• 2/3 cup warm milk (110°F, microwave for 35 seconds if needed)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup jelly or jam (without large fruit pieces)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the donuts)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour , 1/4 cup sugar , yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, 3 tbsp melted butter , egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes , or until bubbles form on the surface.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Add the remaining flour to the bowl and knead the dough in the bowl for 5 minutes , until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Lightly grease the bowl with a small amount of oil or butter, place the dough back in the bowl, and cover it again.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This will take about 45 minutes in a 100°F oven or 1 1/2 hours at room temperature .

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness .
3. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed to use up all the dough.
4. Place the cut-out dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each donut. Let them rise again for 15-20 minutes , or until slightly puffy.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

1. Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes , or until golden brown.
2. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 5: Finish and Fill the Donuts

1. Brush the tops of the warm donuts with the remaining 1 tbsp melted butter and roll them in the 1/3 cup granulated sugar to coat evenly.
2. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill each donut with jelly or jam. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently squeeze to fill.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature.
2. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Tips for Success:

• Flavor variations: Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar for a spiced twist.
• Filling options: Swap jelly or jam for pastry cream, Nutella, or dulce de leche for a richer filling.
• Make ahead: Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days . Fill just before serving to keep them fresh.
• Freeze option: Freeze baked and cooled unfilled donuts for up to 1 month . Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.

Nutritional Information (per donut, makes 12):

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~6g

Enjoy these Baked Donuts as a soft, sweet, and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their light texture and gooey jelly filling make them a fun and festive addition to your table!