Warm Miniature Doughnuts Food

HOMEMADE MINI DONUTS (+ VIDEO TUTORIAL)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the yeast, milk and 2 Tbsp of the sugar. Mix well, and leave to sit for 10-15 minutes, or until foamy.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, salt, and remaining 2 Tbsp sugar. Mix briefly to combine. Add the eggs, vanilla, and foamy yeast mixture to the bowl. Mix on low for 2-3 minutes, until the dough is starting to come together. It may look slightly dry but do not worry - it will mix together nicely in the next steps. Increase the mixer speed to medium, and mix for another 10 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add the butter a little at a time, waiting until it is fully incorporated into the dough before adding the next piece. This process should take 3-4 minutes. Once the butter is fully incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium, and mix for a further 5 minutes, until the dough is very soft and smooth.
• Transfer to an oiled bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place overnight in the fridge to rise (see notes)
• Line two sheet pans with parchment paper squares. Turn the dough out onto a well floured surface. Roll until it is 1/2" (1.25cm) thickness.
• Using a 1 3/4" (4.5cm) round cutter, cut out circles of dough. Using a very small round cutter or a milkshake straw (I used a metal bubble tea straw), cut a circle out of the middle of each round of dough. Place onto the squares of parchment paper - you can put a few donuts on each sheet. Repeat until you have cut out all of the dough - scraps can be pressed together and re-rolled. I like to use the scrap ones for the first test fry, as they sometimes turn out a little wonky.
• Lightly cover the cut-out doughnuts with plastic wrap, and leave to rise for 45-50 minutes, until puffy. When you poke them lightly with your finger, it should leave a small indentation that springs back.
• In the last 15-20 minutes of the doughnuts proofing, heat neutral oil to 350°f / 180°c in a large heavy-bottomed pot (cast iron works great) or a deep fryer. You want the oil to be deep enough so that the donuts can float in the oil. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Combine all the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar in a medium bowl.
• Once the oil has come to temperature, test it with a few scraps of dough, or your doughnuts you cut from the re-rolled dough. Gently lower the doughnuts, up to six at a time (depending on the size of your pot), into the hot oil. Cook , flipping every 30 seconds, for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack. Allow to cool for 30 seconds before tossing in the sugar. Repeat the process with the rest of the doughnuts.
• Best eaten the day that they are made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and briefly reheated in the microwave before eating.

MINI-DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• Melt the 2 tablespoons shortening in a small saucepan. Set aside to cool slightly but remain liquid.
• In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and melted shortening together on medium speed. Add the egg and beat well. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla, continue beating until the mixture is light, about 2 minutes.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, mace, and salt into a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture on low speed until just combined. The texture of the dough will be soft and loose. Turn dough out of the bowl onto a large piece of plastic wrap and wrap it well. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
• Roll the chilled dough out on a very lightly dusted workspace until it's about 1/2-inch thick. Dip the edges of a 2-inch round cutter in flour and cut the dough into discs. Place cut dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Heat about 2-inches of shortening in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375 degrees F. Line a large plate with paper towels.
• Working in batches, fry the doughnuts, turning once, until they are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer the doughnuts from the oil with a slotted spoon or skimmer to the prepared pan. Cool. Repeat with remaining dough, taking care the oil comes back to the correct temperature between each batch.
• For jelly filled doughnuts: Fill a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip with raspberry jam. Let the donut cool slightly. Make a small opening with the pastry tip and gently fill each donut with some of the jam. Dust with sugar as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• For sugared doughnuts, roll the doughnuts in sugar or cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. For confectioners' sugared covered doughnuts allow the doughnuts to cool completely before rolling in the confectioners' sugar.

MINI DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
• In another bowl, beat egg to blend with milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and vanilla.
• Add flour mixture and stir just enough to moisten.
• Spoon into well-greased mini muffin tins.
• Bake in a 350ºF.oven until golden, about 15 minutes.
• Mix 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon.
• Brush doughnut tops with 3 tablespoons melted butter and roll in sugar/cinnamon.
• Serve warm or cool.
• If making ahead, cool, then store airtight up to 2 days.