Delightful Cottage Cheese Doughnut Holes

This recipe offers a mouthwatering journey into the delightful world of cottage cheese doughnut holes, perfect for a sweet, indulgent treat. These small, round delights provide a comforting, slightly tangy flavor thanks to the inclusion of creamy cottage cheese. They are sweetened just right with sugar and a hint of vanilla, which blends perfectly with the zesty aroma of orange zest. The exterior is fried to a beautiful golden brown, achieving a satisfying crispiness that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. These doughnut holes can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside morning coffee or afternoon tea. For those who appreciate a touch of citrus, the orange zest brings a refreshing twist to the classic doughnut taste. They're also quite versatile, offering ample opportunity for creative variations. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and highly rewarding. Offering a taste of simple indulgence, these doughnut holes are bound to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 300 g cottage cheese
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 5 g vanilla sugar
• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tbsp baking soda
• Zest of one orange
• 500 - 600 ml cooking oil
• 100 - 150 g powdered sugar

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Incorporate Eggs: Crack the eggs into the mixture one by one, stirring each time to ensure they're completely blended into the batter.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Sprinkle in the baking soda.
4. Include Orange Zest: Grate the zest of the orange directly into the batter, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Form the Dough: The mixture should form a consistent, slightly sticky dough. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour until it's manageable.
6. Shape the Doughnut Holes: With floured hands, shape small portions of dough into round bouncers, about the size of a walnut. Lightly coat them in flour to prevent sticking.
7. Heat the Oil: Pour the cooking oil into a deep saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. It's ready when a small piece of dough sizzles on contact.
8. Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them until they're golden brown all over, which should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.
9. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
10. Cool and Dust: Allow the doughnut holes to cool slightly, then generously dust them with powdered sugar.
11. Serve and Enjoy: These delights are best served warm.

Tips

• Substitution: If you can't find cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil temperature is consistent for even browning; too hot, and they'll burn outside while remaining raw inside.
• Orange Twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a different zest.

Nutritions

• Estimated per Serving: 245 calories, 8g protein, 10g fats, 31g carbohydrates

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Option: Substitute cottage cheese with a vegan alternative, eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mix, and play with plant-based sugars.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat.

Best Places

• Duck Island Doughnuts - Known for their unique flavors and warm ambiance. Location: 26 Rue la Pierre-Levée, Paris, France.
• Doughnut Plant - Offers a quirky vibe with delicious doughnuts. Location: 220 W 23rd St, New York, USA.
• Bread & Circus - Famous for their ethnically inspired doughnuts. Location: 7 Temple Pl, Boston, USA.
• Crosstown Doughnuts - Offers a creative spin on traditional recipes. Location: 32 Brick Lane, London, UK.
• Gail’s Bakery - Known for their artisan sweets and cozy atmosphere. Location: 5 Circus Road, London, UK.
• The Holy Donut - A favorite for their rustic, hearty doughnuts. Location: 7 Exchange St, Portland, USA.
• Dynamo Donuts - Trendy spot for innovative flavors. Location: 2760 24th St, San Francisco, USA.
• Voodoo Doughnut - Offers adventurous and elaborate concoctions. Location: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, USA.
• Bad Wolf Coffee - Renowned for its simplistic yet captivating doughnuts. Location: 3422 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, USA.
• Grumpy Donuts - Local favorite known for their quality and variety. Location: 72 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Annandale, Australia.