Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts

When I think about my childhood, my mind always drifts to those warm, cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandma. She had this magical ability to turn simple ingredients into delightful treats, and one of my favorites was her Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts. The way they puffed up golden brown in the oil, then burst with rich, creamy filling-it was pure joy! These donuts remind me of laughter, family gatherings, and the irresistible aroma wafting through the air, inviting everyone to the table.

Now, as the seasons change and we find ourselves looking for a sweet treat to share, these Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts are just the thing. Perfect for a rainy day or a weekend brunch, they bring a little bit of happiness to any occasion. Whether it's a holiday celebration or just a cozy evening at home, these donuts are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.

Why You'll Love "Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts"

• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, perfect for when cravings hit.
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Rich, creamy filling that makes each bite a delightful surprise.
• Family-friendly and sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat at home.
• Versatile-experiment with different fillings to keep things exciting!

Ingredients You'll Need

• 250 g all-purpose flour - Consider using gluten-free flour for a similar texture if needed.
• 30 g sugar - You can reduce the amount for a less sweet flavor, or use coconut sugar for a different taste.
• 7 g instant yeast - Fresh yeast works best for optimal fluffiness, but instant yeast is perfectly fine!
• 90 ml lukewarm milk - Lukewarm is preferred; you can also use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• 1 large egg - Swap with unsweetened applesauce if you're looking for a vegan version.
• 30 g butter - Melted; coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute without compromising taste.
• 300 ml heavy whipping cream - Consider vegan cream as a dairy-free alternative for the filling.
• 50 g sugar (optional) - For added sweetness in the filling, adjust to your taste!
• Condensed milk (optional) - For extra sweetness in the filling, if you desire.
• Powdered sugar - For dusting, enhances visual appeal and adds that sweet touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oil

1. Before you start making the dough, get your frying oil ready! Fill a frying pan with about 2 inches of oil and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). A little trick: drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles right away, you're good to go!

Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the 250 g of all-purpose flour, 30 g of sugar, and 7 g of instant yeast. Whisk them together until well mixed. This is the base of your donuts!
2. Add 90 ml of lukewarm milk, 1 large egg, and 30 g of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. It's okay if it's a bit sticky; that's what makes it fluffy!

Knead and Rise

1. Now it's time to get your hands a little messy! Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic-almost like a soft pillow. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands.
2. Once kneaded, place the dough back in your mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the magical moment when all that yeast starts working!

Shape the Donuts

1. After your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release the air. Now, roll it out on a floured surface until it's about 1-inch thick.
2. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough. You can also use a smaller cutter for the holes if you want traditional donut shapes! Gather any scraps and roll them out to make more donuts.
3. Place the cut dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This helps them puff up even more when frying-yummy!

Fry the Donuts

1. Once the donuts have rested, carefully lower them into the hot oil, a few at a time. Don't overcrowd the pan; you want them to have space to float around.
2. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they're golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn! Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
3. Once done, transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before filling!

Prepare the Filling

1. While the donuts cool, it's time to make the filling! In a separate mixing bowl, whip 300 ml of heavy whipping cream with 50 g of sugar until stiff peaks form. You want it to be fluffy and light-just like the donuts!

Assemble the Donuts

1. Now comes the fun part! Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each donut with the whipped cream. Be generous but careful not to overfill!
2. Finally, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for that beautiful finish. They're ready to be enjoyed-just try to resist eating them all at once!

Variations

• Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try filling the donuts with fruit preserves or chocolate ganache for a different twist!
• For a seasonal touch, incorporate pumpkin spice or cinnamon into the dough during fall.
• Experiment with air frying instead of deep frying for a lighter version-just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Make them dairy-free by using almond or coconut milk in the dough and vegan cream for the filling.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts are best served warm, straight out of the fryer for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat. They also make a lovely addition to brunch gatherings or celebrations!

Storage

To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing!

Helpful Notes

• If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with a thick coconut cream for a dairy-free filling.
• For added flavor, mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the whipped cream for a chocolatey twist.
• Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy donuts; a thermometer is handy!
• If you want to reduce sugar, using unsweetened applesauce can naturally sweeten the dough.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these donuts be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Just make sure they are completely cooled, then store them in an airtight container. They'll stay good for up to a month.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don't have heavy cream, you can use thick coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream for a lighter option.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Final Thoughts

There's something truly magical about making these Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts. They're not just a treat; they're a celebration of flavors and memories, perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you'll find joy in the process of creating them, just like I do. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a cozy evening at home, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. So grab your apron and get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness. You've got this, and I can't wait for you to take that first delightful bite!