SOFT GINGERBREAD DONUTS WITH CHOCOLATE FILLING RECIPE

These soft and fluffy gingerbread-shaped donuts are made with a rich, elastic dough that stays light and tender on the inside. Using cold milk and ice cubes helps control the dough temperature during mixing, ensuring a smooth and well-developed dough. Filled with chocolate and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are both delicious and visually charming—perfect for special occasions, bakery sales, or creative homemade treats.

Yield: Makes 7 donuts

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Proofing : 1 hour 45 minutes
Shaping : 15 minutes
Frying & Finishing: 15 minutes
Total Estimated Time: ≈ 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients
Donut Dough

2 cups bread flour (260 g)
1 teaspoon instant yeast (4 g)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (35 g)
2 tablespoons milk powder (15 g)
1 large egg (about 50 g, without shell)
⅓ cup cold milk (85 ml)
1 tablespoon ice cubes, crushed (15 g)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (40 g)
½ teaspoon salt (3 g)

Filling & Topping

Chocolate filling or chocolate spread, as needed
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions (Mixer Method)

Add the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and milk powder to the mixing bowl. Mix briefly to combine.
In a separate bowl, mix the cold milk and egg. Pour this mixture into the flour, then add the crushed ice cubes.
Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough comes together and looks shaggy.
Add the softened butter and salt. Increase to medium speed and mix for 15–20 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and stretchy.
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and proof for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Gently deflate the dough, roll it out, and cut into gingerbread man shapes.
Place the shaped dough on parchment paper, cover, and proof again for 45 minutes, until puffy.
Heat oil to 155°C (310°F) and fry the donuts until golden brown on both sides.
Drain and let cool slightly. Fill with chocolate and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the donuts slightly warm for the best soft texture and melted chocolate filling.
Pair with hot coffee, cappuccino, tea, or hot chocolate.
For special occasions, arrange the donuts on a dessert platter and add extra powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle for presentation.
These donuts are perfect for bakery displays, dessert boxes, holiday treats.

Tips for Best Results

Always use cold milk and ice cubes to prevent the dough from overheating during long mixing.
If the dough feels warm, place the entire bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then continue mixing.
Keep the maximum dough temperature below 27°C (80°F) for the best dough structure.
A shaggy dough stage means the ingredients are combined but not yet elastic—this is normal.
Maintain steady oil temperature for evenly cooked donuts with a soft interior.

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