EASY AND FLUFFY HOMEMADE DONUTS
Homemade donuts are an irresistible dessert, perfect for sharing with the family or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Soft, fluffy, and with a golden, crispy exterior, these delicacies have won the hearts of many generations. In this article, we’ll explore their history, preparation process, variations, and some tips for making the best homemade donuts.
History of Donuts
The origin of donuts is a matter of debate, as different cultures have prepared fried doughs throughout history. However, the modern version of the donut, with its characteristic hole in the center, was popularized in the United States in the 19th century. Hanson Gregory , an American sailor, is said to have pierced the center of the donuts to ensure they would cook evenly and prevent them from becoming raw in the middle.
In many countries, there are similar versions of donuts: in Spain, rosquillas ; in France, beignets ; in Mexico, buñuelos ; and in Germany, Berliners , which are filled. Over time, donuts have evolved into a wide variety of flavors, fillings, and toppings.
Today, donuts are a staple in bakeries and cafes around the world, and making them at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize their flavor and texture.
Detailed History of Donuts
Donuts, those delicious rings of sweet dough that have conquered the world, have a fascinating history dating back centuries. Although today we know them as a popular dessert in cafes and bakeries, their origin is a matter of debate and is linked to various cultures.
The First Origins
The first versions of donuts are believed to have appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages. At that time, bakers prepared balls of fried dough sweetened with honey or spices. In Germany and the Netherlands, immigrants often made small fried doughs called olykoeks (oil cakes), which were round and fluffy, though without the characteristic hole in the center.
These oil cakes were especially popular at celebrations and festivals, and because they were easy to prepare, they became a culinary tradition in many homes.
The Arrival of Donuts in America
Dutch immigrants brought their olykoek recipes to the United States in the 17th century, especially to the colony of New Amsterdam (now New York). Over time, this treat was adapted to local ingredients and techniques, evolving into the modern doughnut.
However, the biggest change in the recipe came in the 19th century thanks to an American sailor named Hanson Gregory . According to legend, Gregory pierced the center of the dough to ensure more even baking, giving rise to the classic donut shape with a hole. Before this invention, donuts often had raw centers due to the density of the dough, so this innovation significantly improved their texture and flavor.
Industrialization and Popularization
Doughnuts began gaining popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The big revolution came in 1920 with the invention of the first automatic doughnut machine , created by Adolph Levitt, a Russian immigrant. This machine allowed for mass production and made doughnuts accessible to everyone.
From there, specialized chains emerged, such as Dunkin’ Donuts (founded in 1950) and Krispy Kreme (founded in 1937), which helped to further popularize this dessert.
During World War II, donuts became a symbol of comfort for American soldiers. Red Cross volunteers, known as “Donut Dollies,” distributed freshly baked donuts to soldiers, boosting their morale during the most difficult times.
The Evolution of Donuts in the World
Today, donuts have evolved and taken on many shapes and flavors around the world. Each country has developed its own version:
Berliner (Germany): Doughnuts without a hole, filled with jam and covered with powdered sugar.
Rosquillas (Spain): Denser and with a touch of anise, popular during religious festivals.
Beignets (France): Fried buns without a hole, sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Churros (Latin America and Spain): Although they are not donut-shaped, they are close cousins in terms of dough and frying.
Mochi Donuts (Japan): Made with rice flour, which gives them a more elastic and soft texture.
Doughnuts have come a long way from their origins in Europe to becoming an iconic dessert around the world. Their evolution has been marked by culinary innovations, cultural adaptations, and technological advancements. Whether glazed, filled, or covered in chocolate, the doughnut remains one of the most beloved treats for people of all ages. No matter where you are, there’s always a version waiting for you to enjoy!
Preparing Homemade Donuts
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup sugar
14 gr dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
230 ml warm milk
40 gr butter
1 egg
Oil for frying
Preparation Steps:
1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of flour, the salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the warm milk. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes until the yeast activates and ferments.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, and room temperature butter. Mix with your hands until you get a sandy texture. Add the egg and mix again.
3. Add the yeast: On a smooth surface, make a well in the mixture and add the fermented dough. Combine all the ingredients and begin kneading.
4. Knead: Knead until you have a soft, smooth, and elastic dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
5. Form the doughnuts: Place the dough on a floured surface and gently press out any air. Roll out and cut out medium-sized circles with a cutter or glass, making a hole in the center with a smaller cutter or a bottle cap.
6. Final fermentation: Cover the donuts with a clean cloth and let them rest for another 30 minutes until they increase in size.
7. Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the donuts until golden brown on both sides, turning them constantly to ensure they cook evenly. Remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Decorate: Once the donuts are warm, decorate them with cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, icing, or sprinkles. Ready to enjoy!
Filling Variations and Options
Donuts can be personalized in many ways. Some ideas for adding a special touch include:
Filled donuts: These can be filled with pastry cream, jam, dulce de leche, or chocolate. To do this, avoid making the center hole and use a pastry bag to inject the filling.
Chocolate-covered donuts: Melt chocolate and cover the donuts, adding almonds, sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
Glazed Donuts: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a light, shiny glaze.
Flavored donuts: Ingredients such as cinnamon, orange zest, or cocoa powder can be added to the dough to vary the flavor.
Tips for Perfect Donuts
Use good-quality fresh or dried yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
Knead the dough well until it has an elastic texture, which will ensure fluffier donuts.
Respect the rising times so that the dough develops air and softness.
Fry in hot but not excessively hot oil (170-180°C) to prevent the dough from burning on the outside and remaining raw on the inside.
Do not overload the pan when frying, to prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
Decorate when warm , as if they are hot, the icing will melt too much, and if they are cold, it will not adhere properly.
Fun Facts About Donuts
National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday in June.
During World War II, doughnuts were brought to soldiers to cheer them up on the battlefield.
The largest doughnut company in the world is Dunkin’ Donuts , with over 12,000 stores in more than 36 countries.
The world’s most expensive doughnuts are sold in New York City and are covered in edible gold and filled with champagne cream.
More Information about Donuts
Doughnuts have evolved over time and have been adopted by different cultures, giving rise to a wide variety of flavors and styles. Here are some more interesting facts about this delicious dessert:
1. Types of Donuts in the World
United States: The classic “glazed donut” and “Boston cream donuts” filled with cream and covered in chocolate.
Mexico: Sold in bakeries and supermarkets, they are often sprinkled with sugar or filled with cajeta or chocolate.
France: The famous beignets , which are doughnuts without a hole and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Spain: Doughnuts , which can be fried or baked and flavored with anise or lemon.
Germany: Berliners , hole-free donuts filled with jam and covered with powdered sugar .
Japan: Lighter and fluffier donuts, some made with ingredients like matcha or mochi.
Argentina: They are called “facturas” and are sometimes filled with dulce de leche or pastry cream.
2. Differences between Fried and Baked Donuts
Donuts can be prepared in two main ways:
Fried: These are the most traditional and have a fluffier, crispier texture on the outside. However, they absorb more fat.
Baked: These are a lighter option, as they’re not fried in oil. They tend to be denser, similar to sweet bread.
3. Creative Donut Variants
Rainbow donuts: They are prepared with different colored glaze and colored sprinkles.
Donuts filled with Nutella or dulce de leche: Ideal for lovers of intense flavors.
Vegan donuts: No animal products, using plant-based milk and no eggs.
Savory donuts: Some versions include toppings like bacon, cheese, and herbs.
4. Tips for Preserving Donuts
If you have leftover donuts, here are some tips to keep them fresh:
Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
If they’re glazed, place them in a single layer so they don’t stick together.
Do not refrigerate them , as the cold will harden them.
If they harden, you can microwave them for a few seconds to restore their soft texture.
5. Did You Know? (Fun Facts About Donuts)
The world’s largest donut weighed more than 1.5 tons and was made in the United States.
The donut shape with a hole in the center is believed to allow for more even baking.
In Japan, there are matcha green tea donuts and even squid ink donuts.
The first automatic donut machine was invented in 1920 by Adolph Levitt.
In some countries, there are donuts with extravagant fillings, such as caviar, truffles, or even covered with edible gold.
Donuts are a delicious dessert that has transcended borders and adapted to different cultures. Whether fried, baked, filled, or covered in glaze, their versatility makes them an irresistible treat. Are you up for making your own homemade donuts?
Texture and Flavor
Homemade donuts have a fluffy, airy texture and a slightly crispy exterior when fried. They’re soft to the bite, almost melting in your mouth. The flavor is sweet and buttery , and depending on the glaze, they can have notes of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or cinnamon . Their aroma is delicious and comforting , reminiscent of freshly baked sweet bread.
Consumer Context
- Ideal for breakfast or a snack .
- Perfect to accompany a coffee, hot chocolate or cold milk .
- Very popular at family gatherings, birthdays, fairs and children’s parties .
- They also make a special homemade gift for holidays like Christmas or Mother’s Day .
Visual Aspect
They are usually round , with a central hole . The exterior is a perfect golden color , while the interior is light and white . They are decorated with shiny glazes , colored sprinkles , dusted sugar , or chocolate coatings . Each donut looks like a small work of edible art.
Curiosities
- The doughnut hole is said to have been invented in the 19th century by Hanson Gregory , a sailor who was looking for a more even baking of sweet bread.
- Traditional donuts are fried, but baked versions also exist to reduce the fat content.
- National Donut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday in June .
- In some countries, donuts are filled with creams, jams or dulce de leche .
Estimated Nutritional Value (per standard donut)
- Calories: 200–300 kcal
- Fats: 10–15 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–35 g
- Sugars: 10–20 g
- Protein: 3–5 g
- Minerals: small amounts of iron, calcium and potassium.
Note: Price may vary depending on donut size and type of icing or filling.
Additional Benefits and Interesting Facts
- Quick energy boost:
Thanks to their simple carbohydrate content, they are an immediate source of energy, ideal for regaining strength after intense activity. - They lift your spirits:
The pleasure of eating a sweet, fluffy donut stimulates the release of serotonin (the happiness hormone). - Versatility in flavors and shapes:
They can be easily customized by adding ingredients such as shredded coconut, nuts, berries, or even making vegan or gluten-free versions. - Perfect for homemade baking projects:
Making donuts at home is a fun activity to do with kids or family, encouraging creativity in the kitchen. - Fun fact:
Doughnuts have also been cultural symbols: in the 1940s, the American Red Cross “Doughnut Girls” served doughnuts to soldiers to boost morale during the war.
Conclusion
Homemade donuts are a delicious and easy-to-make option, perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture and versatility in decorations and flavors, they have become a baking classic that never goes out of style.
Plus, making donuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked sweet bread made with natural ingredients. With the right tips, anyone can achieve perfect donuts, whether glazed, chocolate-coated, or filled.
If you haven’t tried making them yet, go ahead and enjoy the pleasure of freshly made homemade donuts!