The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is undeniably captivating, but imagine that aroma infused into a sweet and delectable treat. Enter the coffee-glazed donut – a delightful fusion of two beloved indulgences. These donuts offer a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating, making them the perfect companion for a cozy morning or a lively brunch.
The Magic of Coffee in Donuts
The incorporation of coffee into donuts can take various forms:
- Coffee-infused dough: Brewing strong coffee and incorporating it into the donut dough adds a subtle depth of flavor that permeates the entire treat.
- Coffee glaze: A simple glaze made with melted butter, powdered sugar, and strong coffee creates a rich and flavorful coating.
- Coffee beans as topping: For an extra touch of coffee flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle coarsely ground coffee beans over the glazed donuts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coffee-Glazed Donuts
Ingredients:
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee (optional)
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For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1-2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and optional coffee.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts.
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Second Rise: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
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Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
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Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
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Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, and coffee. Add more coffee as needed to reach desired consistency.
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Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
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Decorate (Optional): Sprinkle with coffee beans, chocolate chips, or other desired toppings.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the coffee-glazed donuts warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Strong Coffee is Key: Use a bold, flavorful coffee for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough donuts.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked donuts.
- Creative Glazes: Experiment with different glazes, such as chocolate, maple, or lemon.
- Fillings: Fill the donuts with coffee cream, custard, or jam for an extra decadent treat.
