Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Italian Doughnuts
Indulge in these Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Italian Doughnuts, a sweet and fluffy treat that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are made from a delicious blend of simple ingredients. Fried to golden perfection and rolled in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them warm for an unforgettable experience that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/3 cups (warm)
sugar
3 teaspoons (for dough and 3/4 cup for coating)
salt
1 teaspoon
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for dough)
cornmeal
2 tablespoons
unbleached all-purpose flour
3 cups (plus extra for rolling)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
bread machine yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
prepared pizza dough
1 lb
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a bread machine, add the water, sugar, salt, olive oil, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and bread machine yeast in the order specified by the manufacturer. Set the machine to 'dough' mode and let it do the work until the dough has risen nicely.
2
In a large frying pan, combine equal parts vegetable oil and olive oil to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375 degrees F.
3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to approximately 1/2-inch thickness.
4
Use a floured 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes, then use a floured 1-inch cutter to cut out the center of each doughnut, creating a ring. Gather the scraps and re-roll as needed to create additional doughnuts.
5
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for coating.
6
Once the oil has reached the proper temperature, carefully fry the doughnuts in batches. Fry each doughnut for about 45 seconds on each side, or until they puff and turn a light golden color.
7
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before placing them in the bowl of cinnamon-sugar.
8
While still warm, coat the doughnuts generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Italian Doughnuts?
These are sweet, fluffy doughnuts inspired by Italian culinary traditions, made from a simple dough, fried until golden, and rolled in a fragrant mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
You will need a bread machine for the dough, a large frying pan, a deep-fry thermometer, a rolling pin, a 2-inch cookie cutter, and a 1-inch cookie cutter.
In what order should I add ingredients to the bread machine?
You should add the water, sugar, salt, olive oil, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and yeast in the specific order recommended by your bread machine's manufacturer.
What setting should I use on my bread machine?
Set your bread machine to the 'dough' mode to allow it to mix, knead, and rise the dough properly.
What type of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe calls for a combination of equal parts vegetable oil and olive oil for a unique flavor profile.
What is the ideal oil depth for frying the doughnuts?
You should fill your frying pan with oil to a depth of approximately 2 inches.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The oil should be heated until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a deep-fry thermometer.
How thick should I roll out the doughnut dough?
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
How do I cut the doughnut shapes?
Use a floured 2-inch cookie cutter for the outer ring and a floured 1-inch cutter to remove the center of each doughnut.
What can I do with the dough scraps?
Gather the remaining dough scraps, re-roll them, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
How is the cinnamon-sugar coating prepared?
In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are evenly combined.
How long do the doughnuts need to fry?
Each doughnut should be fried for approximately 45 seconds on each side.
How do I know when the doughnuts are finished frying?
The doughnuts are ready when they have puffed up and turned a light golden color.
What is the best way to remove the doughnuts from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the doughnuts out of the hot oil to allow excess oil to drain back into the pan.
Should I drain the doughnuts after frying?
Yes, transfer the fried doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil before coating.
When should the cinnamon-sugar coating be applied?
Apply the coating while the doughnuts are still warm to ensure the sugar adheres well to the surface.
Can these doughnuts be served cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best served warm for the most delightful aroma and softest texture.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies unbleached all-purpose flour for the dough.
Is cornmeal a standard doughnut ingredient?
In this Italian-style recipe, cornmeal is included in the dough to provide a unique texture and flavor.
How much yeast is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast for this recipe.
Why is olive oil used in the dough?
Olive oil is used to provide moisture and a rich, authentic Italian flavor to the dough base.
What is the preparation for the water used in the dough?
The 1 1/3 cups of water should be warm to help activate the yeast in the bread machine.
Can I use prepared pizza dough instead?
Yes, the recipe notes that 1 lb of prepared pizza dough can be used as an alternative base.
How much cinnamon is used in the coating?
The coating uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon mixed with sugar.
Are these doughnuts suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are described as being perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when cutting?
Ensure you use a floured surface and dip your cookie cutters in flour before each cut.
What color should the finished doughnuts be?
They should be a light golden color; avoid over-frying them until they are dark brown.
How much sugar goes into the dough itself?
The dough requires 3 teaspoons of sugar, while the coating uses 3/4 cup.
Should the doughnuts be completely cooled before coating?
No, they should only be cooled slightly. Coating them while warm ensures the cinnamon-sugar sticks properly.
What makes these 'Italian' style doughnuts?
The use of olive oil in both the dough and the frying oil, along with the addition of cornmeal, gives them a Mediterranean profile.