Name: Korean Milk Cream Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-483422H24M9S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour; 25g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar; 6g (2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast; 90ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) warm milk; 1 large egg; 35g (2½ tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted; 450ml (1¾ cups) heavy whipping cream; 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar; Condensed milk, for drizzling; Vegetable oil, for frying; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy Texture: The combination of yeast-leavened dough and careful frying results in donuts that are light and airy.
Creamy Filling: The lightly sweetened whipped cream, enhanced with a hint of condensed milk, offers a luscious and satisfying center.
Homemade Delight: Crafting these donuts at home allows you to enjoy them fresh and customize them to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

240g all-purpose flour
25g granulated sugar
6g instant dry yeast
90ml warm milk
1 large egg
35g unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

450ml heavy whipping cream
50g granulated sugar
Condensed milk, for drizzling

For Frying and Garnish:

Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it proof in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place the cut dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped donuts with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
Fry the Donuts:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 325°F (163°C).
- Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain and cool completely.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Donuts:
- Once the donuts have cooled, slice each one horizontally, leaving one side intact to create a hinge.
- Drizzle a small amount of condensed milk on the inside surfaces of the donut.
- Fill the cavity generously with the whipped cream.
- Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8-10 donuts.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for additional flavor.
Alternative Fillings: Incorporate fresh fruit slices, such as strawberries or bananas, into the whipped cream filling for a fruity twist.
Glaze Option: Instead of powdered sugar, dip the tops of the filled donuts into a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, place the donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Note that reheating may cause the whipped cream to melt slightly.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast. To do so, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.

Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for kneading the dough?

No, you can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. It may take a bit longer, approximately 10-15 minutes, to achieve a smooth and elastic dough.

Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?

While traditional Korean Milk Cream Donuts are fried, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Bake the shaped donuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly from the fried version.

How can I stabilize the whipped cream filling?

To help the whipped cream maintain its structure, you can add a stabilizer such as gelatin.