Quick Description:
These soft, fluffy caramel-filled donuts are rolled in cinnamon sugar and have a gooey caramel center that oozes out with each bite. Perfectly sweet and indulgent, these homemade donuts are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion where you want to impress your loved ones.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Donuts
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out the donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a large round cookie cutter and a smaller round cutter to make the hole in the center.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- While the donuts are cooling slightly, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Step 4: Fill the Donuts with Caramel
- Using a small piping bag or a squeeze bottle, fill the center of each donut with the caramel sauce. You can poke a small hole in the side or bottom of the donut to inject the filling.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the caramel-filled donuts warm, and enjoy the gooey, sweet center with the crispy, cinnamon-coated exterior!
Additional Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you prefer homemade caramel sauce, simply heat 1 cup sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns amber. Then carefully add 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let it cool before using.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made dairy-free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free caramel sauce.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Fruit-filled Donuts: Instead of caramel, you can fill these donuts with fruit jams or custard for a different flavor.
- Glazed Donuts: For a glazed version, dip the warm donuts in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk instead of rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: These donuts are best served fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some warmth.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled donuts. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes and fill with caramel.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these donuts without caramel filling?
Yes, you can make these donuts plain or fill them with your favorite filling, such as chocolate, cream cheese, or fruit.
Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
While frying is the traditional method for making donuts, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes if you prefer a healthier version.
Call-to-Action
“Craving a sweet, gooey, and crispy treat? These caramel-filled donuts are the perfect indulgence! Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share a pic of your creation by tagging #CaramelFilledDonuts!”
