Lemon Donuts

  

Lemon Heaven: Perfectly Tangy Donuts to Brighten Your Day

If you're a lemon lover, these lemon donuts are about to become your new favorite treat! Soft and fluffy, these yeasted donuts are fried to perfection and coated with a sweet and tangy lemon zest sugar. The kitchen will be filled with the invigorating scent of lemon, giving it a spring-like, tangy, and energizing vibe. This donut recipe is reminiscent of a classic sugar donut, but with the delightful twist of lemon zest, making them even more inviting and irresistible.

Why Lemon is Perfect for Donuts

Lemon brings a fresh and zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet dough of donuts. The natural acidity of lemon balances the sweetness, preventing the donuts from being overly sugary. Additionally, the aromatic oils in lemon zest infuse the dough with a vibrant fragrance, making each bite a refreshing and delightful experience. Lemon is also known for its ability to enhance other flavors, adding complexity and brightness to the overall taste of the donuts. This combination makes lemon a perfect ingredient for creating donuts that are not only delicious but also uplifting and satisfying.

Recipe video:

A Brief History of Donuts

Donuts have a rich and fascinating history that spans several centuries and cultures. The origin of donuts can be traced back to the Dutch settlers in North America, who brought with them the tradition of making "olykoeks" or "oil cakes." These early versions of donuts were simple balls of cake fried in oil. Over time, the concept evolved, and by the mid-19th century, the iconic ring shape emerged, thanks to an American named Hanson Gregory who is credited with inventing the hole in the donut.

Donuts quickly gained popularity in the United States, especially during World War I, when women volunteers, known as "Doughnut Lassies," served them to soldiers on the front lines. This act of kindness solidified donuts as a comforting and beloved treat. Today, donuts are cherished worldwide for their versatility, with countless variations and flavors catering to different tastes and preferences. From classic glazed to creative gourmet options, donuts continue to captivate and delight people of all ages.

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 400 g bread flour
• 2 eggs (100 ml) + 130 ml water (total of 230 ml liquid)
• 50 g sugar
• 7 g instant yeast
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 40 g buttermilk powder
• 5 g bread improver
• 5 g sea salt
• 40 g unsalted butter, softened

For the Coating:

• 3 tbsp sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, lemon zest, buttermilk powder, bread improver, and sea salt. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
• Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Add the softened unsalted butter and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This can take about 8-10 minutes of kneading by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

2. Let it Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.

3. Shape the Doughnuts:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter to cut out the doughnuts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.

4. Fry the Doughnuts:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
• Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

5. Coat the Doughnuts:

• In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest for the coating.
• While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in the lemon sugar mixture until well coated.

Enjoy!

Serve these delightful lemon donuts warm, and enjoy the burst of tangy lemon flavor with each bite. They’re perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Your kitchen will be filled with the refreshing and energizing aroma of lemon, making every moment of baking and eating these donuts a pure delight.

Indulge in the soft, fluffy goodness of these lemon donuts – a true lemon lover's dream!