Baked donuts

INGREDIENTS 

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup whole milk

- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 2 large eggs

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- Flavorings such as vanilla extract or cinnamon (optional)

- Sprinkles or other toppings (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.

4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape the donuts.

7. Place the donuts in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

8. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. If desired, add sprinkles or other toppings before serving.

Note: This recipe yields a cake-style donut. If you prefer a fluffier donut, you can add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of yeast and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes.

BAKING HACKS 

1. Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a tender and delicate texture.

2. Add a teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.

3. Use buttermilk or sour cream for added moisture and tenderness.

4. Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to dense donuts.

5. Let the dough rise for the full hour to ensure a light and airy texture.

6. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature (350°F) for frying.

7. Don't overcrowd the oil - fry in batches to prevent sticking.

8. Use a cooling rack to cool donuts upside down, preventing glaze from pooling.

9. Add flavorings like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to create unique flavor combinations.

10. Experiment with different glazes, toppings, and fillings to create a variety of flavors and textures.

Additional tips:

- Use a donut pan to achieve the perfect shape and prevent donuts from spreading.

- Don't overbake - donuts are best when lightly golden and still soft.

- For a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, try baking donuts at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes.

By incorporating these hacks into your donut recipe, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, professional-looking donuts that are sure to impress!

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN 

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown of a baked donut recipe (assuming 6-8 donuts):

Per donut:

- Calories: 250-300

- Fat: 12-15g (mostly from butter and milk)

- Carbohydrates: 35-40g (from sugar, flour, and milk)

- Fiber: 1-2g

- Protein: 3-4g (from eggs, milk, and flour)

- Sodium: 200-250mg (from butter, milk, and salt)

- Sugar: 15-20g (from granulated sugar and milk)

Additionally, donuts may contain:

- Saturated fat: 8-10g

- Cholesterol: 20-25mg (from eggs and butter)

- Potassium: 100-150mg (from milk and flour)

- Vitamin D: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Calcium: 10-15% of the DV (from milk and flour)

Please note that this breakdown is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and recipe modifications. It's also worth noting that donuts are a treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you're looking to make a healthier donut option, consider using:

- Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour

- Less sugar or alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup

- Coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter

- Egg whites or flax eggs instead of whole eggs

- Low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives

Keep in mind that even with healthier modifications, donuts are still a treat and should be consumed in moderation.