Italian Baked Donuts

5 from 1 vote

These Italian baked donuts are light and fluffy from the addition of yeast and have a light citrus taste! Instead of being fried they are baked.⅔

Prep Time50

Cook Time12

Resting Time4

Total Time5 2

Course: Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: donuts

Calories: 282kcal

Author: Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

¼ cup water (lukewarm)
5 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
½ teaspoon active dry yeast
⅔ cup + 2½ tablespoons flour 00 (100g total, if doubling the recipe then double this amount)
1¼ cups all purpose flour
1-2 tablespoons orange or lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
¼ cup milk (lukewarm)
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
¾ teaspoon salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a small bowl add the water and ½ teaspoon of sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 10 minutes then stir to combine.
In the stand mixer bowl whisk together the flours, zest and the remaining sugar, add the vanilla, egg yolk and milk, start to knead add the yeast mixture and knead two minutes on speed #2 add the softened butter and the salt, continue to knead for 8 minutes to form a compact dough.
Move the dough to a lightly butter bowl, cover and let rise in a warm draft free area until tripled for approximately 2-3 hours.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and roll to ½ inch / 1¼ cm thickness, using a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter (3½ inches / 9 cm) and a round piping tip (1 inch / 3 cm) cut out the donut shapes.
Place the donuts on a parchment paper lined baking sheet 3 inches / 7½ cm apart. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C.
Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Move immediately to a wire rack to cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

The dough can be frozen after the first rise, then bring to room temperature and continue with the recipe once thawed completely.

Can I make the donut dough in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and proceed with the recipe.

Can I freeze baked donut dough?

Yes! The dough can be frozen after the first rise. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer safe bag until ready to use for up to 3 months. Once ready to bake, thaw completely, bring to room temperature and then continue with the recipe.

how to store leftover donuts

These baked donuts with yeast are best enjoyed fresh! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days but they will be less fresh tasting. You can try reheating them in the microwave for a few seconds to retain freshness.

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