Description
Delight in these homemade Coffee Cream-Filled Donuts that combine a soft, fluffy fried dough with a rich and creamy coffee-flavored filling. Perfectly golden and optionally glazed with a coffee icing, these donuts bring a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of coffee bitterness, ideal for any coffee lover’s breakfast or dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Donuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For the Coffee Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons brewed coffee (cooled)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture with the egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a tender donut.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the dough to ferment and develop flavor.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down to release air. Roll it on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donuts and donut holes.
- Second Rise: Place the cut donuts onto a floured baking sheet. Cover them and let rise for another 30 minutes to ensure a light texture after frying.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), the ideal temperature for frying donuts evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts a few at a time, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Prepare the Coffee Cream Filling: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to form soft peaks. Gradually add the powdered sugar, instant coffee granules, and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks develop, creating a stable coffee-flavored cream.
- Fill Donuts: Fit a piping bag with a round tip and fill it with the coffee cream. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently pipe the filling inside until filled.
- Make Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with brewed coffee until smooth to form a coffee glaze.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set for a glossy finish and extra coffee flavor.
- Serve: Serve the coffee cream-filled donuts warm or at room temperature alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the delightful combination of fluffy fried dough and rich coffee cream.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Do not overcrowd the oil when frying the donuts to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy donuts.
- The coffee cream filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to a day but pipe just before serving for best texture.
- The glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shiny finish and an extra hint of coffee flavor.
- Use instant coffee granules in the cream filling for an intense but smooth coffee flavor without adding moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: coffee cream-filled donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts recipe, coffee donuts, cream-filled pastries
