There is something truly magical about indulging in Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats – these delightful, pillowy-soft donuts filled with a luscious milk cream make every chilly day feel warm and special. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, perfectly fried donut that’s light as air and bursting with creamy sweetness inside. These donuts are not just a dessert; they’re a comforting hug in edible form, ideal for brunches, gatherings, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary when the temperature drops. Get ready to bring a little slice of Korean bakery magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of making these Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the flour that forms the tender base to the butter lending richness, and the fresh cream that transforms the donuts into a dreamy delight.
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a light, tender dough – gluten-free flour can be used if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup Sugar: Just the right amount to add subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon Instant Yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully for that fluffy texture.
- 1 cup Lukewarm Milk: Adds moistness and helps activate the yeast effectively.
- 1 large Egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough; unsweetened applesauce is a good substitute if needed.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Delivers a tender crumb and appealing flavor, with coconut oil as a tasty alternative.
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream: The star of the filling, creating a smooth, airy cream that complements the donuts.
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (for Whipping Cream): Balances the cream with the perfect touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Condensed Milk (optional): Adds a rich, caramel-like undertone to the whipped cream.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for Dusting, optional): A finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and that classic bakery look.
How to Make Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking 1 cup of lukewarm milk with 1 beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture is silky smooth. This combination brings moisture and richness to the dough, while the temperature of the milk helps activate the yeast perfectly, setting the stage for dough that rises beautifully.
Step 2: Combine and Form the Dough
In a separate large bowl, mix the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Gradually fold in the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough comes together. The texture should be slightly sticky but manageable, promising those light, fluffy results we’re aiming for.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours in a warm spot. This waiting period is crucial as the yeast works its magic, causing the dough to almost double in size and become airy and elastic.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Once risen, lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out perfect rings. Don’t worry if your shapes aren’t perfect — these donuts are meant to look as inviting as they taste, with a homemade charm.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to between 170 to 180°C (340 to 360°F). Carefully slide the donuts into the hot oil and fry them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispy outside without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Make the Cream Filling
Chill a mixing bowl and beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form — optionally adding 1 tablespoon of condensed milk for an extra layer of creamy sweetness. This whipped cream will be the luscious surprise inside your donuts.
Step 7: Assemble Your Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats
Once the donuts are cooled sufficiently to handle, slice each horizontally and fill generously with your whipped cream. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish, and you’re ready to indulge in one of the coziest winter treats imaginable.
How to Serve Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish can elevate your donuts to cafe-quality treats. Consider a gentle dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra visual appeal and flavor balance. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can also add delightful texture contrasts that bring an extra smile to the table.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with warm beverages like a fragrant chai latte, a robust cup of coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate, each enhancing the creaminess and sweetness of the donut. For brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to lighten the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving the Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats at a party or special gathering, try setting up a DIY donut bar where guests can add their preferred toppings like sprinkles, cocoa powder, or flavored powders. Presenting the donuts on a rustic wooden board or atop festive napkins can add that extra touch of charm and warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the cream fresh and prevents the donuts from drying out.
Freezing
While the donuts are most delightful fresh, you can freeze them without the cream filling for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze cream-filled donuts only if you’re confident in your reheating skills, as cream can separate or lose texture.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover donuts, remove from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for a softer bite. For unfilled donuts, a quick warm-up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes refreshes their pillowy goodness. Avoid microwaving cream-filled donuts as the filling can become runny.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour to make these donuts?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the gluten-free flour blend you choose is suitable for yeast-based doughs. The texture might vary slightly but you’ll still get delicious results.
Is there a vegan alternative for the cream filling?
Yes, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream alternative and sweeten it to taste. The flavor will be slightly different but still lovely for a vegan-friendly treat.
What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?
Vegetable or canola oil works great because of their neutral flavor and high smoke points. Avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the focus on the donut’s delicate taste.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake the donuts, but they won’t achieve the same crispness and golden exterior as frying. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden, and enjoy a lighter but less traditional texture.
How long can I keep the dough in the fridge before frying?
The dough can be refrigerated overnight for slow fermentation, which can enhance flavor. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and frying.
Final Thoughts
Once you make these Fluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite for warming up cold days and sharing smiles around the table. They’re deceptively simple but utterly delicious, combining tender dough and rich cream in every bite. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe — you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintFluffy Korean Cream Donuts for Winter Treats
Enjoy these fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts filled with rich, sweet cream—an irresistible winter treat perfect for brunch or gatherings. The donuts are deep-fried to golden perfection and filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream, making each bite delightfully soft and creamy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust based on taste)
- 1 tablespoon Instant Yeast (use fresh yeast for best results)
- 1 cup Lukewarm Milk (whole, almond, or oat milk works)
- 1 large Egg (can substitute with unsweetened applesauce)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (can substitute with coconut oil, melted)
For the Filling
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (for whipping cream, adjust to preferred sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Condensed Milk (optional, for added sweetness)
For Dusting
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (optional, for finishing touch)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, sugar, and instant yeast evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while stirring, until a soft dough forms. Let dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Donuts: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, then use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes.
- Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to between 170-180°C (340-360°F), using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a golden brown color. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar (and optional condensed milk) until stiff peaks form, ensuring a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Fill Donuts: Once donuts have completely cooled, cut each horizontally in half and pipe or spoon the whipped cream filling inside.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar as a finishing touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
- Ensure oil temperature stays constant for even frying and proper donut texture.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor oil temperature.
- Let the donuts cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
- Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.