🥣 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
🍞 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the dough rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix everything until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 5–6 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
🍩 Step 2: Shape the Donut Bites
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out to about 1.5 cm thickness.
Use a round cutter (or glass) to cut small circles. For the shape shown in the image, slightly press the center or use your fingers to create a shallow indentation—this is where the cream will sit later.
Place the shaped dough on a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
🔥 Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 170–180°C (340–355°F). Carefully drop the donuts into the oil, a few at a time.
Fry each side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature.
Remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
🍮 Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a saucepan, heat milk until warm but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a custard.
Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Let it cool completely.
✨ Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny. Adjust consistency as needed—add more milk if too thick or more sugar if too thin.
🧁 Step 6: Assemble the Donuts
Once the donuts are slightly cooled:
- Fill the center indentation with the prepared cream
- Spoon or drizzle glaze generously over the top
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes
The result should be glossy, soft, and delicious donut bites with creamy centers just like in your image.
💡 Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Always use fresh yeast for best results
- Maintain oil temperature—too hot burns outside, too cold makes greasy donuts
- Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures fluffiness
- Let cream cool fully before filling to avoid melting the dough
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve these donuts warm with coffee, tea, or milk. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can also experiment with fillings like chocolate, caramel, or fruit jam for variety.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature
- Refrigerate if filled with cream (up to 3 days)
- Reheat slightly before serving for best taste
❤️ Final Thoughts
These cream-filled glazed donut bites are a perfect blend of soft dough, rich filling, and sweet glaze. Making them at home may take some time, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.