Berliner

Ingredients

• Jam or cream - For filling
• Powdered sugar - For dusting
• Vegetable oil - For frying
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Egg - 1
• Unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons, melted
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• All - purpose flour - 2 cups

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the well. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
8. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Remove the fried doughnuts from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Once cooled, use a piping bag or a small knife to fill each Berliner with your choice of jam or cream.
11. Dust the filled Berliners with powdered sugar and serve.