Chinese Sugar Donuts
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Chinese sugar donuts are a delightful sweet treat that capture the essence of comfort food. Growing up, I remember the warm, nostalgic aroma wafting through my kitchen, drawing everyone together. These donuts are not only a perfect indulgence for dessert lovers but also strikingly straightforward to make at home. With a crispy exterior coated in sugar and a soft, pillowy inside, they are bound to be a hit at any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a celebratory gathering.
What Makes This Recipe Special
There are countless reasons to give this recipe a try. First off, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience watching the transformation of simple ingredients into fluffy, golden-brown donuts. Not to mention, this recipe is budget-friendly, using everyday pantry staples. It’s also perfect for family bonding—get your kids involved in the rolling and shaping process! Moreover, these donuts can bring a taste of authentic Chinese street food into your home, plus they’re incredibly versatile and can be made for any occasion.
"These donuts were a hit at my last get-together! Everyone kept asking for the recipe—so easy and so delicious!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating Chinese sugar donuts might sound a bit daunting at first, but I can assure you that it’s a straightforward process. You’ll begin by activating your yeast with warm milk, followed by mixing and kneading your dough to perfect smoothness. After letting the dough rise and shape it into little balls, you’ll fry them to golden perfection before coating them in sugar. Overall, from mixing to frying, this recipe will take a few hours, but the wait is certainly worth it!
What You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these delightful donuts, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups sugar (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
If you’re in a pinch, you can try substituting whole milk with almond milk or using a vegan butter alternative.
Directions to Follow
- In a mixing bowl, pour in your lukewarm milk and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see bubbles forming.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the whole egg, egg yolk, the 2 teaspoons of sugar, salt, flour, and butter into the bowl.
- If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead the mixture for approximately 10 minutes until you have a smooth, tacky dough that easily pulls away from the sides.
- Gently form the dough into a ball using your hands without adding flour to the surface and place it in a lightly greased bowl with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough based on its total weight by twelve. Roll each portion into a circular shape using the palms of your hands, making sure they are compact.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the donuts on it. Cover and let rise again until they double in size, roughly one hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small pot, heat your vegetable oil to about 350°F (between setting 2 and 3 on the stove). Use a deep-frying thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully fry the donuts, no more than two at a time, for about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly on a baking rack.
- While they are still warm, roll the donuts in the sugar dusting and place them back on the rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These doughy wonders shine brightest when served warm. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making them a great choice for an afternoon snack. If you want to elevate your dessert experience, consider drizzling some warm chocolate sauce or adding a scoop of ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain the freshness of your donuts, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them again.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is lukewarm, as extremely hot or cold temperatures can hinder yeast activation.
- Kneading: Don’t rush the kneading process; it’s essential for developing the right texture and elasticity in your dough.
- Oil Temperature: A deep-frying thermometer is a valuable tool; a consistent oil temperature leads to perfectly cooked donuts.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Why not try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating for a flavor twist! You could also fill your donuts with sweetened red bean paste or a chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make these donuts?
From start to finish, including rising times, expect about 3-4 hours.Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and shape them. Refrigerate overnight and fry them fresh in the morning.What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Adjustments in liquids may be necessary for consistency.
Now that you’re equipped with all the know-how and tips, it’s time to bring the sweet essence of Chinese sugar donuts into your kitchen! Enjoy the delicious journey of making these delightful treats.
Chinese Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, pour in your lukewarm milk and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see bubbles forming.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the whole egg, egg yolk, the 2 teaspoons of sugar, salt, flour, and butter into the bowl.
- If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead the mixture for approximately 10 minutes until you have a smooth, tacky dough that easily pulls away from the sides.
- Gently form the dough into a ball using your hands without adding flour to the surface and place it in a lightly greased bowl with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough based on its total weight by twelve. Roll each portion into a circular shape using the palms of your hands, making sure they are compact.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the donuts on it. Cover and let rise again until they double in size, roughly one hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small pot, heat your vegetable oil to about 350°F (between setting 2 and 3 on the stove). Use a deep-frying thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully fry the donuts, no more than two at a time, for about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly on a baking rack.
- While they are still warm, roll the donuts in the sugar dusting and place them back on the rack.
