Chocolate Ricotta Donuts – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Fried

Ricotta and Chocolate Donuts Recipe

Category: Yeasted Breads
Serves: 9 pieces

Description:
These Ricotta and Chocolate Donuts are a heavenly indulgence, bringing together the lightness of ricotta cheese and the deep richness of dark chocolate in a tender, fluffy dough. Fried to golden perfection, these donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the subtle chocolate bursts throughout, they’ll soon become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   Start by placing the flour, crumbled fresh yeast, and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Begin mixing on medium speed, gradually adding the water in a thin stream. After a few minutes, add the butter, one small piece at a time, with the mixer still running. Continue to mix until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 25-30 minutes of kneading time. The dough should be cohesive and slightly sticky but smooth.

2. Let the Dough Rise
   Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, dry area to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Chocolate
   While the dough is rising, chop the dark chocolate into small chunks using a sharp knife. Set aside for later.

4. Shape the Donuts
   Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Dust a clean work surface with a light coating of flour and roll the dough into a rectangle about 2 cm thick. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly across the dough.

5. Fold the Dough
   Start by folding one third of the dough over the chocolate, then fold the opposite third on top, like a letter fold. Gently press the dough down to help it adhere and form a compact layer of chocolate inside.

6. Cut Out the Donuts
   Roll the dough out to a rectangle about 2 cm thick. Using a 10 cm round cutter, cut out the donuts. Then, use a smaller 4 cm cutter to remove the centers, creating donut rings. Gather the scraps of dough, roll them out again, and continue cutting until you have 9 donuts.

7. Fry the Donuts
   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 170°C (340°F). It’s best to use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. Carefully place one donut at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

8. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the donuts have cooled slightly, they are ready to enjoy! They are best served fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The combination of warm, fried dough and melty chocolate makes these donuts a perfect treat for any time of day.

Tips for the Best Donuts

• Yeast Activation: If you’re using dry yeast instead of fresh yeast, activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the dough.

• Rolling the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. However, avoid using too much flour, as this can make the donuts dense.

• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial to ensure that the donuts cook evenly. If the oil is too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings. You could try adding a spoonful of raspberry jam, cream cheese filling, or dusting the donuts with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These Ricotta and Chocolate Donuts are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch.

Enjoy these rich, tender, and utterly irresistible donuts that are sure to impress friends and family alike!