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There’s nothing quite like homemade donuts to make your morning special. These buttermilk mini donuts are light and fluffy and have the perfect golden brown color; whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a weekend treat, or just because, they will surely become a family favorite.
The Chemistry of Mini Buttermilk Donuts
The secret to these delicious donuts is the interaction between the baking powder and the buttermilk. When combined, they create bubbles in the batter that help the donuts rise and become light and airy. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, and evenly, resulting in the perfect donut shape. The use of cake flour instead of all purpose flour also contributes to the lighter texture of these donuts. Mixing the wet ingredients and dry ingredients just until combined is crucial for maintaining the airiness.
What is in mini buttermilk donuts?
Melted Butter
It is important to use melted butter when it is called for. Melted butter evenly coats the gluten in the recipe and helps bind the ingredients. You can also use melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness, provides a caramelized flavor and crisp texture. Sugar assists with rising when creamed with butter. It helps add moisture to your treat and helps it evenly spread as it melts into a liquid in the heat of the oven. Sugar also helps with naturally preserving your baked treat.
Eggs
Adds both a protein (egg whites) and fat (egg yolks). The egg whites help with rising because, when foamed, little air pockets get trapped inside the egg white mixture. The water content in egg whites encourages steam while baking, which helps with gluten formation, resulting in nice and thick treats. Egg yolks have emulsifying properties that bring batters and doughs together and help them from collapsing. Unless otherwise specified, always use large eggs.
Buttermilk
Adds moisture and helps to tenderize the gluten, creating a soft crumb and tangy flavor. It also helps rise the pH level of your batter, increasing the rise from the baking powder.
Vanilla Extract
When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.
Cake Flour
Has a lower amount of protein and is very fine. It gives your treat a specific flavor and makes them very white or light in color. It’s made of soft wheat so it should not be used in place of all-purpose or bread flour. Only use when your recipe specifically calls for it.
Baking Powder
Puffs up your batter or dough instead of spreading it out. Baking powder contains a little bit of baking soda, an acid & cornstarch. Because of this, it only needs a liquid to react. It also consists of two different acids, so it’s double reacting. It reacts as soon as it’s mixed with a moisture and then again when it’s heated up.
Fine Sea Salt
Enhances flavor, adds balance, masks any bitter flavors. Salt is the most powerful and oldest preservative. Always make sure to use fine sea salt so it melts down at the right speed in the heat of the oven. If you use larger granule salt, it will not melt down fully when baked and will leave salt crystals throughout your treat, making it crunch like you dropped it into sand.
How do you make mini buttermilk donuts?
- Preheat a mini donut iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Combine wet ingredients. Combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, two eggs, 3/4 cup of buttermilk, and 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or whisk until well combined. Ensure the ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Add dry ingredients. Add two cups of cake flour, 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Prepare the donut iron. Spray the iron with non-stick spray or coat it with a small about of butter.
- Pour the batter. Use a piping bag to pour the batter perfectly into each mini donut shape on the iron. Close the iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve and enjoy. Remove the donuts from the iron and serve immediately with your desired toppings, such as powdered sugar, chocolate chips, or a simple glaze. Cover with plastic wrap until all the donuts are baked, then serve all together.
How to Store Mini Buttermilk Donuts
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, follow the freezing instructions below.
How do Freeze Mini Buttermilk Donuts
To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator. Use a piping bag to fill the mini donut pan just before cooking for the best results. This is especially useful for a busy morning or when preparing for an event.
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Why make mini buttermilk donuts?
These donuts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast. They’re a great way to start the day and are sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of fluffy texture and golden brown color makes them ideal for any time you’re craving a sweet treat. These mini donuts are also a fun project for kids and a delightful addition to any breakfast spread.
I’m always on the lookout for the best donut recipe that stands out. These baked buttermilk donuts are made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract ensures these donuts have a rich flavor and a soft, fluffy texture. Whether you’re making a big batch for a crowd or just a few for a cozy morning, this easy donut recipe is perfect for any occasion. These mini doughnuts are not only delicious but also fun to make. The chocolate chip and cinnamon sugar coating options add a touch of variety to your homemade doughnuts.
Enjoy creating these delightful and delicious donuts that impress your friends and family. With their rich flavors and perfect texture, these buttermilk mini donuts are the perfect way to satisfy your breakfast cravings and make any morning special!
FAQs
How do you keep mini donuts fresh?
To keep your mini donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, follow the freezing instructions above. Using plastic wrap to cover the donuts can also help maintain their freshness.
Can you freeze mini donuts?
Yes, you can freeze mini donuts. Place them in a single layer on the baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat. This is a great way to enjoy fresh donuts anytime.
How do you make fluffy donuts?
To achieve fluffy donuts, be sure not to over-mix the batter. It’s okay if it’s slightly clumpy. Also, make sure to use cake flour for the best texture. The combination of wet ingredients and dry ingredients should be mixed gently to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the donuts dense.
What is the best way to cook mini donuts?
The best way to cook mini donuts is in a mini donut pan or iron. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment to get the best results. Preheating the mini donut pan and using non-stick spray or cooking spray help achieve the perfect golden brown donuts.
Recipes You May Love
- The Perfect Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
- Delicious Homemade Waffle Cone Recipe
- Overnight French Toast
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Buttermilk Mini Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter **melted
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat a mini donut iron
- Add the wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl: melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon or whisk.
- Add the dry ingredients to the bowl: cake flour, baking powder and salt. Stir until combined.
- Use a piping bag to pour the batter perfectly into each mini donut shape on the iron. Close the iron and cook to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove and serve immediately with desired toppings or cover until all the donuts are baked and serve all together.
Nutrition
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