Spiced doughnuts Recipe

This Spiced doughnuts recipe is a soft and fluffy recipe, which is made with warm spices like cinnamon and bright orange zest. It’s the perfect festive treat, a classic, from-scratch recipe for a special occasion.

Spiced doughnuts Ingredients

A classic combination for a truly traditional and festive treat.

For the Doughnuts:

• 140ml milk, warmed
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1 x 7g sachet of dried yeast
• 475g strong plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 90g caster sugar
• 90g butter, softened
• 2 free-range eggs, beaten
• Zest of 1 orange
• Vegetable oil, for frying and greasing

For Decorating:

• Caster sugar
• Glaze: 250g icing sugar, sieved, mixed with a little water
• Melted chocolate (white, milk or dark)
• Freeze-dried berries, roughly chopped

How To Make Spiced doughnuts

A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully soft, spiced, and fragrant doughnuts.

1. Activate the Yeast: Gently warm the milk and water, then pour it into a bowl. Dissolve the yeast in the liquid and leave for 15 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: Sift the flour, mixed spice, and salt into a separate large bowl with the sugar. Make a well in the center. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, slowly incorporate it into the dry ingredients with the softened butter, beaten eggs, and orange zest. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
3. Knead and First Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes (or 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook) until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape and Second Rise: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and “knock it back” by kneading it lightly. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use your thumb to pierce a hole in the middle, stretching it slightly to form a ring. Place the shaped doughnuts on a lined tray and leave them to rise in a warm place for another hour, or until doubled in size again.
5. Fry the Doughnuts: Fill a deep saucepan about one-third full with vegetable oil and heat it over a medium heat to 160°C/320°F. Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are puffed up and deep golden brown.
6. Decorate and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and let them drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper. While they are still warm, you can roll them in caster sugar or let them cool completely before drizzling with a simple glaze or melted chocolate.

Recipe Tips

For the most perfect, fluffy doughnuts every time.

• How to get light and fluffy doughnuts? The two proving (rising) times are essential. Don’t skip them! They are what allow the yeast to work its magic and create the light, airy texture. A soft, slightly sticky dough is also key.
• How to handle the dough? This is an enriched dough, so it will be softer and stickier than a standard bread dough. Keep your hands and your work surface lightly floured, but try not to add too much extra flour as this can make the doughnuts tough.
• How to fry safely? Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and never fill it more than halfway with oil. A cooking thermometer is the best way to maintain the correct temperature. If you don’t have one, the oil is ready when a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden in about 30-40 seconds.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Doughnuts are at their absolute best when eaten fresh on the day they are made. You can make the dough and let it do its first rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight to save time.

What To Serve With Spiced doughnuts

The perfect accompaniments for this classic, comforting treat.

These warm, fragrant doughnuts are a perfect treat, especially for a festive breakfast or brunch. They are wonderful served with:

• A hot cup of black coffee or a spiced chai latte
• A mug of rich hot chocolate
• A tall, cold glass of milk

How To Store Spiced doughnuts

Keeping your doughnuts fresh.

• Room Temperature: It’s best to eat doughnuts on the day they are made. Store any leftovers in a paper bag or a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Airtight containers can make them soggy.
• Reheat: You can briefly refresh a day-old doughnut by warming it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Spiced doughnuts Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per doughnut.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 10 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

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• Jemma’s vegan vanilla fudge cupcakes Recipe
• Gluten-free bread Recipe