Creamy Homemade Filled Donuts
Yield: 12–15 donuts
Prep Time: 20 minutes + rising time
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Soft fried donuts filled with smooth vanilla cream and coated in sugar.
Ingredients
For the Dough
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500 g all-purpose or bread flour
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8 g dry yeast (or 12 g fresh yeast)
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200 g milk, lukewarm
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80 g sugar
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50 g butter, melted and cooled
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1 medium egg
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1 pinch salt
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
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Granulated sugar (for coating)
For the Vanilla Cream Filling
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2 cups milk
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½ cup sugar
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¼ cup cornstarch
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4 egg yolks
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix:
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Lukewarm milk
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Sugar
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Yeast
Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add to the yeast mixture:
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Egg
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Melted butter
Mix well.
Gradually add flour and salt.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean cloth.
Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough.
Roll out to ½ inch thickness.
Cut into circles using a cutter or glass.
Place on parchment paper.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a bowl, whisk:
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Egg yolks
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Sugar
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Cornstarch
Heat milk in a pan until warm (not boiling).
Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture.
Return to pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until thick.
Remove from heat.
Add vanilla extract.
Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Cool completely.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donuts in batches for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Coat and Fill
Roll warm donuts in granulated sugar.
Make a small hole on the side of each donut using a knife or straw.
Fill a piping bag with cooled cream.
Pipe cream into each donut until filled.
Tips for Best Results
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Milk temperature: Should be warm, not hot.
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Oil temperature: Keep steady for even frying.
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Do not overcrowd when frying.
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Filling options: Jam, chocolate cream, or custard work well.

