This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.

Yeast-raised doughnuts dipped in butter, sugar, and cinnamon will easily have you grabbing for a second helping.
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup very warm water
1 envelope (.25 ounce size) active dry yeast
1 egg, beaten
2 1/3 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat just until it starts to bubble. Add the first measure of sugar, the salt, and butter. Stir to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar and salt. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool to lukewarm.
Place the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface of the water. Stir gently until it dissolves.
Stir in the lukewarm milk mixture, egg, and 1 cup of the flour. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in the lemon rind, nutmeg, and remaining flour and stir until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
Grease a large bowl. Form the dough into a ball and place in the greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it with the grease. Cover the bowl lightly and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Grease a baking sheet.
Punch the dough down and place on a floured work surface. Roll the dough out to a 1/3-inch thickness. Lightly flour a donut cutter and cut the donuts and place them on the greased baking sheet. Cover the donuts lightly with a tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Brush the tops and sides of the donuts with the melted butter. Place the donuts in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes or until done.
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the donuts are done, dip them in the remaining butter and then dredge in the sugar mixture. Set on a wire rack or waxed paper. Can serve warm or at room temperature. Store the donuts in an airtight container.
For a different flavor, try adding a bit of vanilla extract to the dough.
If you prefer a glaze over cinnamon sugar, mix powdered sugar with milk or water to create a thin glaze to dip the doughnuts in.
Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice in the dough.
Adding a small amount of almond extract to the dough can give a subtle nutty flavor.
If you like nuts, sprinkle chopped nuts over the doughnuts after dipping them in the butter.
You can make mini doughnuts by using a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats.
Yes, you can use instant yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn't need to be dissolved in water first and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
If you don't have lemon rind, you can omit it or substitute it with orange zest, or simply leave it out.
Roll the dough to about 1/3-inch thickness. This thickness allows the doughnuts to puff up nicely without being too thick or thin.
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling and cutting the next day.
The doughnuts are done when they are a light golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven.
This recipe is specifically for baked doughnuts, but you can fry them if you prefer. Heat oil to 350 degrees F and fry until golden brown on each side.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They're best eaten within a day or two as they will start to dry out.
Yes, you can freeze the baked doughnuts. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
This particular recipe doesn't include fillings, but you can certainly experiment by piping in jams, custards, or cream after they are baked.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
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reviews & comments
There doesnât seem to be any indication here between salted and unsalted butter. Adding salt to something already salted doesnât sound like good results will be achieved. I am going to go with unsalted butter in the dough because I donât want to disturb the yeast.
There is only about a pinch of salt (1/20th of a teaspoon) in 3 tbsp of butter so it's pretty negligible in this instance. Also, we note if the recipe should use unsalted butter and in this case since it's only 3 tbsp you can really use either.
November 19, 2011
Great recipe works out fine. But should be eaten same day. Made them last night they came out great, Wife likes them as do I. Put the remainder in bowl with tight lid. This morning they were dunkers, but still good. How ever I did use a donut cutter to shape them might be better next day if not cut that way. But last night they were GREAT.
March 29, 2011
I have been wanting to make my own doughnuts for along time but i dont have a fry daddy. these were so easy to make and didnt take very long at all. The kids LOVED them and even with the cinn and sugar its still healther then the ones you have to fry.
i did not like them. they tasted very bland.
January 30, 2010
Very easy to make. My husband and I enjoyed these donuts very much.
September 2, 2003
My family and friends loved this recipe. I made it for a group trip we were doing and they were very impressed. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make.