Irresistible Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze: Your Guide to Perfectly Light and Airy Homemade Yeast Doughnuts

Imagine biting into a doughnut so incredibly light and airy, it practically melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with these Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze – truly the perfect yeast doughnut experience! Forget the heavy, greasy versions; these homemade delights are a game-changer, offering a soft, fluffy texture complemented by a rich, smooth chocolate topping. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a moment of pure comfort, perfect for starting your day or as a delightful pick-me-up any time.

The Unexpected Warmth of Winter and the Comfort of Homemade Treats

I can almost hear the laughter from up north as they read this. I grew up in Delaware, where snow wasn’t an anomaly but an annual visitor. We’d get five or six good snowfalls each year, enough to warrant snow plows and sometimes an hour’s delay for school, just long enough for the main roads to be cleared. Work, however, always started on time, regardless of the weather. The resilience of those who navigate true winter is something to behold, and it certainly shaped my perspective on what “cold weather” truly means.

Nostalgic Snow Days and Enduring Memories

Honestly, I don’t miss shoveling snow one bit. The memory of spending an hour or two clearing the driveway, only for the snow plow to come by late in the day and re-block all that hard work, is still vivid. Driving in the snow, once you mastered the art of adjusting to the conditions, wasn’t too bad. Much like driving in heavy rain, it just required a different kind of focus and patience. Yet, despite the practical inconveniences, there’s an undeniable magic to a snow day when you’re a child.

Playing in the snow, that was an entirely different story. My neighborhood had the most incredible hills, perfect for sledding. The rush of flying down a hill, hitting a turn onto the next street, even building small jumps to catch some “air time” – those are cherished memories that last a lifetime. These simple, joyous moments created bonds and stories that we still recount today, reminding us of the power of shared experiences and playful abandon.

I suppose these winter memories are on my mind because my son is off skiing for the first time this weekend with his church youth group. While my children have seen and played in snow before, they haven’t experienced “real snow” in the way I did growing up. I’m incredibly excited for him to create his own lasting memories. A little nervous, yes – people do break bones skiing, and as a parent, that thought naturally creeps in. But I’m actively trying to push that worry aside, focusing instead on the amazing time he’s going to have, the new skills he’ll learn, and the incredible memories he’ll forge that will stay with him forever. These are the moments that shape us, much like the warmth and comfort found in a homemade treat.

The Irresistible Allure of Yeast Doughnuts

So, what does any of this have to do with donuts? Perhaps everything, and nothing at all. The connection might be subtle, but the act of making delicious donuts from scratch for those you love is, in itself, a way to create warm, comforting memories. Just as a snowy day can bring joy, so too can the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. These particular homemade donuts are nothing short of fantastic. They boast an exceptional flavor profile, light and fluffy, yet sturdy enough to hold their shape without being mushy. This unique quality is largely attributed to the magic of yeast.

Anything made with yeast offers a depth of flavor and a texture that simply cannot be matched by other leavening agents. Yeast transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary, imparting an airy quality and a subtle tang that elevates the entire experience. Unlike cake donuts, which are often denser, yeast donuts provide that quintessential pillowy softness, perfect for soaking up a rich glaze. The process of working with yeast – watching the dough rise, feeling its elasticity – is a rewarding culinary journey that culminates in these perfect, melt-in-your-mouth treats. These aren’t just any donuts; they’re an experience, designed to be savored, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee, creating new, delicious memories.

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Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze: The Recipe

Get ready to bake a batch of these glorious Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze. This recipe is straightforward, yielding a dozen donuts plus their delightful holes, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. The steps are designed for home bakers, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time.

Coffee Time Donuts with Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients

• 3 1/2-3 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 large egg
• Oil for frying

For the Chocolate Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In your main mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and the active dry yeast. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk and shortening. Warm this mixture in the microwave until the milk is warm to the touch (around 110 degrees F or 43 degrees C). The shortening doesn’t need to fully melt, just soften. Add the warmed milk mixture and the large egg to the dry flour mixture. Beat everything until thoroughly smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a stiff dough forms. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly to a 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Cut and Second Rise: Using a donut cutter, cut out your donut shapes. If you don’t have a specific donut cutter, use a round cookie cutter for the main shape and then a smaller round object (an icing coupler works perfectly!) to cut out the center holes. Carefully place the cut donuts and donut holes onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for another 45 minutes. This second rise is crucial for developing that wonderfully light and airy texture.
3. Fry the Donuts: Heat the oil for frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Aim for a temperature of 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in one of the donut holes; it should immediately bubble around the dough. Gently place a few donuts (don’t overcrowd the pan) into the hot oil. Cook for about 90 seconds per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the cooked donuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain any excess oil. Allow the donuts to cool down until they are just warm before moving on to the glazing step.
4. Prepare and Apply Chocolate Glaze: For the decadent chocolate glaze, begin by sifting the confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder together into a bowl. This step is important to ensure there are no lumps. Gradually whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, starting with two tablespoons and adding more drop by drop until you achieve a smooth, glossy consistency that is pourable yet thick enough to cling to the donuts. You want it to coat the back of a spoon. Once your donuts are just warm, either dip each donut entirely into the glaze, or spoon the rich chocolate glaze generously over the tops. Allow any excess glaze to drip off. Serve these delightful homemade yeast donuts immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

These homemade yeast donuts are absolutely best served warm, fresh out of the fryer and glazed. The softness and warmth are unparalleled. However, don’t worry if you have leftovers! My kids will attest that they are still wonderfully delicious the next day. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For a quick refresh, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back some of that fresh-from-the-fryer softness. This recipe is adapted for perfect results in your home kitchen, ensuring every bite is as memorable as the last.

Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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This delightful recipe is adapted from Pillsbury’s Bake Off Breads Cookbook, copyright 1968. It makes a perfect batch of 1 dozen donuts plus their delicious holes, ensuring there’s plenty to go around, or simply more for you to enjoy!

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