Hazelnut Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Indulge in the rich, sweet delight of Hazelnut Cream-Filled Donuts! This recipe transforms classic donuts into an irresistible treat, featuring a soft, fluffy exterior filled with luscious hazelnut cream. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike. Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to creating these delectable donuts, complete with Weight Watchers points and nutritional information.
Ingredients
300g plain flour (approximately 2 ½ cups)
5ml warm milk (1 teaspoon)
5g dry yeast (about 1 ½ teaspoons)
1g sugar (a pinch)
4 large eggs
1g salt (a pinch)
Hazelnut cream (for filling)
Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 300g of plain flour and 1g of salt. Stir gently to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the texture of your donuts.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 5ml of warm milk, a pinch of sugar, one egg, and 5g of dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate and begin to bubble, which indicates it’s ready to be added to the flour mixture. This activation is vital for achieving light and fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, gradually pour it into the bowl of flour and salt. Add the remaining three eggs to the mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a soft, cohesive dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The goal is to develop the gluten, which will give the donuts their structure. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising period is essential for creating the airy texture of the donuts.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into small portions. Each piece should weigh about 50-60g (approximately the size of a golf ball). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and let them rest for 20 minutes under a kitchen towel. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Donuts
After resting, flatten each dough ball into a rectangle with rounded edges. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to place a small amount of hazelnut cream in the center of each rectangle. Be careful not to overfill; a teaspoon of cream should suffice. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside and then gently shape the dough into a circular donut form.
Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to rest for another 20 minutes. This second rise helps create a lighter texture.
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test the oil’s readiness, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise to the surface. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each donut for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Monitor the temperature to ensure even cooking; adjust the heat as necessary.
Step 8: Finishing Touch
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, sprinkle each donut with sugar for a delightful finish. The sugar adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Serving Size: 1 donut
Total Points: Approximately 7 points per donut (Note: Points may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Always check your Weight Watchers calculator for the most accurate results.)
Nutritional Information (per donut)
Calories: 210
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 5g
Additional Tips for Success
Hazelnut Cream: You can use store-bought hazelnut cream (such as Nutella) for convenience, or make your own by blending roasted hazelnuts with sugar and a bit of cocoa powder until smooth. This gives you the freedom to customize the flavor and sweetness to your liking.
Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for frying. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Storage: To keep leftover donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore some of their freshness before serving.
Conclusion
Hazelnut Cream-Filled Donuts are an irresistible treat that brings joy to any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these delightful donuts that are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item, a dessert, or a snack, they deliver on flavor and satisfaction. Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness of homemade donuts!