Best Baked Donut Recipe with Nutella and Hazelnuts
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
Dough:
- 3.5 cups/500 grams all-purpose flour
- 12.5 grams dry yeast, or 25 grams fresh yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup/240 milliliters milk, or water
- 40 grams very soft butter, or 4 tablespoons oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
INSTRUCTIONS
- In the mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar with a low-speed whisk.
- Mix butter and milk in a separate bowl, gradually adding it to the mixer bowl while whisking. Add the eggs, stir, and incorporate the salt. Continue whisking at low speed until the dough is smooth and uniform, which should take about 10 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky, and that’s okay.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place a towel on top. Allow it to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Using your hands, deflate the dough by removing excess air and divide it into balls weighing 60 grams each. Arrange them in a baking pan with small spaces between them and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C) and bake the balls for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the baked balls from the oven, cover them with a towel, and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar, fill each doughnut with Nutella using a syringe or a piping bag, ensuring a pinch of the spread comes out the top. Then, place the hazelnuts on top.
MY NOTES
FAQ
Can I make this baked donut recipe without a mixer?
To do so, you can start by combining the flour, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the butter and milk, gradually adding this mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring vigorously. Add the eggs, stir well, and incorporate the salt. Continue to mix and knead by hand until you achieve a smooth and uniform dough, about 10 minutes. It may take a bit more effort but is entirely achievable. This manual method ensures that even without a mixer, you can still create delicious and soft baked donuts with the same delightful results.
How can I ensure the dough rises properly?
After transferring the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and place a towel on top. This creates a warm and moist environment ideal for yeast activation and dough expansion. Allow the dough to rise for at least an hour or until it doubles in size. The key is patience; don’t rush this step. Position the bowl in a draft-free area to maintain a consistent temperature. Gently press down on the risen dough to release excess air before dividing it into uniform balls.
Can I freeze the baked donuts?
Once the donuts have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight container or a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date to track freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw the donuts at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
What makes this the best baked donut recipe?
These are the things that make it the best baked donut recipe:
- Texture: The combination of ingredients and the method of preparation yield a soft, fluffy, and moist texture, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
- Flavor: The use of Nutella and hazelnuts adds a rich, nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the donuts.
- Ease of Preparation: The clear instructions and straightforward steps make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatility: The recipe’s flexibility allows for experimentation with fillings and toppings, catering to individual taste preferences.
How long can I store these donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you plan to enjoy them beyond that timeframe, refrigerate the donuts, extending their freshness for an additional 2-3 days. For longer-term storage, freeze them as mentioned above.
Can I reduce the sugar content without affecting the taste?
Gradually decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe while considering the balance of sweetness. A slight reduction typically won’t significantly impact the overall taste, allowing you to enjoy a slightly less sweet version. Experiment with small adjustments until you find the perfect level of sweetness for your palate.
