Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Shape the Doughnuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 2-3 inches) to cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll any scraps to make more doughnuts.
- Second Rise:
- Place the cut-out doughnuts on a floured baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffed.
- Fry the Doughnuts:
- In a deep pot or frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few doughnuts at a time, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat!
- Fill the Doughnuts:
- Once the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or a squeeze bottle) to fill each doughnut with the cream filling.
- Serve:
- Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your homemade cream-filled doughnuts! They’re perfect for a special treat or any occasion. Let me know if you have any questions!