When it comes to the most indulgent and mouth - watering treats for breakfast or brunch, few can rival the charm of donuts. And when you take these classic pastries and fill them with either the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella or the sweet, fruity burst of jam, you elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Donuts have a long - standing history as a beloved breakfast item. Their soft, fluffy texture and the way they melt in your mouth make them an irresistible choice for starting your day. But what truly sets these particular donuts apart is the filling. Nutella, that magical combination of chocolate and hazelnut, has captured the hearts of people around the world. Its smooth consistency and intense flavor are like a warm hug for your taste buds. When you pipe it into a freshly baked donut, it oozes out with every bite, creating a decadent experience that is hard to forget.
On the other hand, jam - filled donuts offer a different kind of pleasure. The variety of jams available means you can have a different flavor profile every time. Whether it's the tangy sweetness of strawberry jam, the rich and robust flavor of blackberry jam, or the delicate taste of apricot jam, each one brings its own unique character to the donut. The jam adds a burst of freshness and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft dough of the donut.
Making these donuts at home is a relatively straightforward process. First, you'll need to prepare the donut dough. You can use a basic yeast - based dough recipe. Start by combining flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, warm up some milk and add a bit of butter until it melts. Pour the milk - butter mixture into the dry ingredients, along with an egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 - inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter in the center to cut out the donut shapes. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the donuts for about 10 - 12 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Let the donuts cool completely on a wire rack.
Now comes the fun part - filling the donuts. For Nutella - filled donuts, you can use a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and gently squeeze the Nutella into the center until it's filled. For jam - filled donuts, you can do the same thing. Just make sure to use a jam that is not too runny, or it might leak out. You can also dust the donuts with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
These donuts are not only perfect for breakfast but also make a great dessert. You can serve them at a brunch party, a family gathering, or just enjoy them on your own with a cup of coffee or tea. They are a versatile treat that can be customized according to your preferences. If you want to get creative, you can even try combining both Nutella and jam in the same donut for a truly unique flavor combination.
In conclusion, whether you're a fan of the chocolate - hazelnut allure of Nutella or the fruity freshness of jam, these filled donuts are a must - try. They are a simple yet elegant way to add some excitement to your breakfast or brunch routine. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and indulge in the heavenly delight of Nutella and jam - filled donuts.
