As I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of frying dough enveloped me like a warm hug, transporting me to bustling street markets in Korea. Korean Milk Cream Donuts are a culinary delight waiting to happen, boasting a crispy exterior and a pillowy, whipped cream-filled center. They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up for a thoughtful weekend treat that will impress your family and friends—much better than any fast food run! Plus, their customizable filling options make them a fun way to experiment in the kitchen. Ever thought about infusing chocolate, matcha, or even coconut cream to elevate your donut game? Let’s dive into this fluffy, creamy adventure together!
Why Are Korean Milk Cream Donuts Irresistible?
Fluffy Texture: These donuts are incredibly light and airy, giving you a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this delightful recipe at home.
Customizable Fillings: Experiment with flavors like Chocolate Cream Filling or Matcha Whipped Cream to find your favorite twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at gatherings, they’re guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Comforting Aroma: The scent of frying dough fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug.
These Korean Milk Cream Donuts are more than just a treat; they’re an experience!
Korean Milk Cream Donut Ingredients
For the Donut Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and tenderness; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust to your liking.
- Instant Yeast – Essential for dough rising; fresh yeast ensures the best results.
- Milk – Adds moisture and richness; using lukewarm whole milk is ideal, or try almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Egg – Contributes to texture; substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a vegan choice.
- Butter – Enhances flavor and tenderness; coconut oil works well for a dairy-free version.
For the Cream Filling
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a rich and luscious filling; homemade is fantastic, but store-bought works too.
- Sugar (for whipping cream) – Sweetens your cream to perfection; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Condensed Milk – Adds an extra layer of sweetness to the filling; optional but delicious.
For Dusting
- Powdered Sugar – For a final sprinkle of sweetness; makes your donuts look irresistibly inviting.
These Korean Milk Cream Donut ingredients work harmoniously to create that fluffy, cream-filled delight you’ve been craving!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Milk Cream Donut
Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of lukewarm milk, 1 beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Ensure the mixture is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast later. This creamy blend will lay the foundation for your fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donut dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute the yeast and sugar evenly. This step is crucial for the dough’s rise and the overall sweetness, so take a moment to make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing; just blend until there are no dry spots. This gentle approach helps maintain the fluffiness essential for Korean Milk Cream Donuts.
Step 4: Let Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm area for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks puffy and feels soft to the touch, indicating that the yeast has done its magic.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra flour to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for a smooth surface, ready for cutting into those adorable donut shapes.
Step 6: Cut Donuts
Using a round cutter, begin cutting out donuts from the rolled dough. Place them on parchment paper, ensuring there’s space between each piece for rising. The cut donuts should look plump and ready to transform into the fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donut you’ve envisioned.
Step 7: Heat Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 170-180°C (340-360°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready. Maintaining this temperature is key to achieving that golden-brown exterior that makes these donuts irresistible.
Step 8: Fry Donuts
Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently. Once fried, transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, allowing them to cool slightly before filling.
Step 9: Whip Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. This creamy concoction will become the luscious filling for your Korean Milk Cream Donuts. Take your time; the cream should look fluffy and delightful, ready to hold its shape when piped.
Step 10: Prepare Donuts for Filling
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Spread a spoonful of condensed milk inside each donut to add an extra touch of sweetness before filling them with cream. This step enhances the overall indulgence of your Korean Milk Cream Donuts.
Step 11: Fill Donuts
Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe the whipped cream generously into each donut half. Make sure to fill them well for a delightful surprise with every bite. Once filled, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead Options
These Korean Milk Cream Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients and letting the dough rise, then shaping it into donuts before refrigerating. To maintain quality, make sure to cover the dough tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also whip the cream and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a quick re-whip before using. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fry the chilled donuts and fill them with whipped cream for fresh, indulgent donuts that taste just as delightful as if they were made from scratch that morning!
How to Store and Freeze Korean Milk Cream Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: If you want to enjoy the donuts a little longer, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the filled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To serve, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour or warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to restore their fluffiness. Enjoy your delicious Korean Milk Cream Donuts!
Expert Tips for Korean Milk Cream Donuts
- Right Temperature: Ensure your milk is lukewarm (not hot) when combining with the yeast; this activates the yeast for perfect rise in your delicious Korean Milk Cream Donuts.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain the oil temperature at 170-180°C (340-360°F) to achieve that golden-brown exterior. Too cool oil will result in greasy donuts.
- Avoid Overmixing: Don’t overmix your dough, as it can lead to dense donuts; a slightly sticky texture beckons the fluffy result you desire.
- Cooling Time: Let the donuts cool slightly before filling them to prevent the whipped cream from melting into a gooey mess; you want that delightful creaminess intact.
- Customization Fun: Don’t hesitate to explore filling variations, like adding matcha or chocolate to the whipped cream, making your Korean Milk Cream Donuts even more fantastic.
Korean Milk Cream Donut Variations
Customize your Korean Milk Cream Donuts with flavors that tantalize your taste buds and elevate your baking experience!
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Matcha Whipped Cream: Blend matcha powder into the whipped cream for a unique green tea twist. Its earthy flavor adds a delightful contrast to the sweet cream.
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Chocolate Cream Filling: Stir in cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the whipped cream to create a rich, chocolatey surprise. Perfect for chocolate lovers craving indulgence!
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Berry Infusion: Fold in fresh or frozen berries into your whipped cream for a burst of fruity freshness. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries all make for a heavenly filling.
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Nutty Delight: Mix in crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for crunchy texture. This nutty excitement pairs wonderfully with the fluffy donut!
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Coconut Cream: Replace dairy cream with coconut cream to add a tropical flair. Its creamy richness gives your donuts an exotic twist, reminiscent of far-off beaches.
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Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, sprinkle your donuts with a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar. This adds a warm, delightful spice to every bite.
For more delightful cream-filled inspirations, try these variations like Chocolate Cream Filling or Matcha Whipped Cream. Let your creativity flow and make these donuts your own!
What to Serve with Irresistibly Fluffy Korean Milk Cream Donuts
Indulging in these delightful donuts opens up a world of pairing possibilities, where sweetness meets savoriness for a memorable meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich donuts, enhancing their sweetness without overwhelming it.
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Creamy Coffee: A cup of velvety latte or cappuccino complements the fluffy texture of the donuts, creating a perfect cozy brunch experience. The warmth of coffee enhances the enjoyment of every bite.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Serve extra whipped cream on the side for those who can’t get enough of the creamy goodness! This indulgent addition allows guests to personalize their experience.
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Matcha Latte: The earthy flavor of matcha adds a unique touch that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the donuts, offering a delightful twist to your drink options.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A rich, molten chocolate sauce invites you to dunk those fluffy donuts, providing a luscious sweetness that chocolate lovers will adore. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert!
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Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled over donuts gives an added texture that elevates each bite. The nuttiness plays well with the light creaminess, adding depth to your dessert experience.
These pairing ideas will elevate your Korean Milk Cream Donuts from delicious treats to the centerpiece of a memorable meal!
Korean Milk Cream Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my yeast is fresh?
Absolutely! To check yeast freshness, simply mix a teaspoon of sugar with 2 teaspoons of yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F). Wait for about 5-10 minutes; if the mixture is bubbly and frothy, your yeast is active and ready to use!
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Very good question! For best results, store your Korean Milk Cream Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you’re keeping them longer, transfer to the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure they are not stacked to avoid squishing.
Can I freeze filled donuts? How?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Korean Milk Cream Donuts! To do this, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour until they are firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for about an hour or microwave for 10-15 seconds to rewarm.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Don’t worry; this happens to the best of us! If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is active (refer to the first FAQ). Also, ensure that the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free environment; ideal temperatures are around 80-90°F. If it’s too cold, give it more time or place it near a warm stove.
Are Korean Milk Cream Donuts suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! You can easily make these donuts vegan by substituting the egg with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) and using a dairy-free milk option like almond or oat milk. Additionally, swap the butter for coconut oil to keep everything vegan-friendly!
Can I customize the filling?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely customize your fillings. Try adding matcha powder, cocoa powder for chocolate lovers, or even fresh fruits to your whipped cream. Get creative with your flavors to make every batch uniquely yours!
Decadent Korean Milk Cream Donuts You'll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of lukewarm milk, 1 beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm area for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a round cutter, begin cutting out donuts from the rolled dough and place them on parchment paper.
- In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 170-180°C (340-360°F). Test if ready by dropping a small piece of dough in.
- Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once cooled, slice the donuts in half horizontally and spread a spoonful of condensed milk inside each donut.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe the whipped cream generously into each donut half.
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