Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic treat with these Orange Ricotta Doughnuts with Honey Thyme! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy doughnut that bursts with the vibrant flavors of fresh orange zest and creamy ricotta, all drizzled with a luscious honey thyme glaze. These Italian-inspired doughnuts are not only easy to make but are also sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these doughnuts will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ricotta cheese, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, orange zest, baking powder, salt, honey, and fresh thyme.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 large eggs to the ricotta mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Next, incorporate 1 tablespoon of orange zest into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the doughnuts tough.
- Once the batter is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a doughnut pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cavity of the doughnut pan with the batter, filling them about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Place the filled doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the honey thyme drizzle. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1/4 cup of honey until it becomes more fluid.
- Once the honey is warmed, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, allowing the flavors to infuse for a few minutes.
- Once the doughnuts are completely cooled, drizzle the honey thyme mixture generously over each doughnut.
- For a finishing touch, garnish each doughnut with additional fresh thyme leaves before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Orange Ricotta Doughnuts with Honey Thyme warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh ricotta cheese and vibrant oranges. The quality of your ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to avoid overmixing. This keeps your doughnuts light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your doughnuts while they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Infuse the Honey: For a more intense flavor, let the honey and thyme mixture sit for a few minutes after combining. This allows the thyme to infuse its aroma into the honey.
- Serve Warm: These doughnuts are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them briefly in the oven to revive their fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor, or substitute the thyme with other herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
