As the sun dipped below the horizon, the scent of warm spices filled my kitchen, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I craved something sweet yet exotic. Inspired by the flavors of my favorite chai tea, I decided to create a doughnut that would evoke the warmth of a cozy café. The result was these delightful chai-spiced glazed doughnuts, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea on a crisp afternoon.
Ingredients
Doughnuts:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Oil for frying
Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Begin by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This aromatic blend will set the foundation for your doughnuts, filling your kitchen with enticing scents.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gently mix in the melted butter, allowing it to cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a light touch will yield a tender doughnut.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and the dough to rise slightly, making for a fluffier doughnut.
While the dough rests, prepare your frying oil. In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Once the dough has rested, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out your doughnuts, making sure to create a hole in the center. Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut additional doughnuts until you’ve used up all the dough.
Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
While the doughnuts cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the doughnuts.
Once the doughnuts have cooled for a few minutes, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to set. As they cool, the sweet aroma of chai spices will envelop your home, inviting everyone to gather around.
These chai-spiced glazed doughnuts are not just treats; they’re a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion or simply to indulge in a moment of joy. Enjoy them fresh, and don’t forget to brew a pot of your favorite chai tea to accompany these delightful bites!