A while back, I experimented with a few homemade Paraguayan Style doughnut recipes and came up with these crispy orange doughnuts. They were such a huge hit in my home that I had to share them with others. The dough is flavorful and extremely easy to prepare; the only downside is its patience in waiting for the doughnuts to fry.🤭 However, I think the extra time and effort are well worth it because these Crispy Orange doughnuts are out of this world! They can be eaten alone or coated with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sugar blend.
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What are Orange Doughnuts?
Orange doughnuts are fried doughnuts flavored with orange zest, orange juice, and orange extract. The dough is made with flour, eggs, sugar, shortening or oil, and leavening agents such as baking powder or yeast. The dough is rolled out and cut into rounds, then fried until golden brown and crispy outside. For sweetness, the doughnuts can be coated in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar blend. Orange doughnuts are a popular dessert in Paraguay and other Latin American countries, often enjoyed as a special treat or during festive occasions.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Doughnuts:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the doughnuts.
- Shortening or Neutral-Flavored Oil: Adds fat to the dough, resulting in a tender and moist texture.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds citrus flavor and moisture to the doughnuts.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the doughnuts.
- Distilled White Vinegar: Reacts with the baking powder to create lift and lightness in the doughnuts.
- Orange Extract or Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds orange flavor or a hint of vanilla to complement the citrus taste.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the overall structure and richness of the doughnuts.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and also helps with browning during frying.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the doughnuts to rise and become light and fluffy.
- Orange Zest: Add intense orange flavor to the doughnuts without excess liquid.
For the Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: Provides a sweet and crunchy coating for the doughnuts, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Crispy Orange Doughnuts
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, and orange extract until well combined. Add the shortening, gradually pour in the milk mixture, and knead at medium speed until smooth and the mixture forms a ball, leaves the sides of the bowl, and climbs up the dough hook, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl. Using your hands, form the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to oil on all sides.
Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the orange doughnuts into a log, cut about ½-inch thick pieces of dough, and gently roll each piece into a roughly ¼-inch thick rope with your hands. Shape the rope into a circle, bringing the ends together; remember that they expand during the frying. Alternatively, you can divide it into golf-sized portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to make a hole in each center. Next, gently stretch the balls to an oval ring. Continue the same process with the remaining dough.
Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the rolled-out dough. The dough must stay moist. Set up a paper towel-lined sheet tray to place the crispy orange doughnuts when they come out of the oil.
Make the Coating: Add the sugar to coat crispy orange doughnuts in a small bowl. Heat 3 to 4 inches of oil in a straight-sided heavy saucepan until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Fry the crispy orange doughnuts just a few at a time for 2 minutes on each side until puffy and golden brown. You can fry two or more Crispy orange doughnuts simultaneously; don't overcrowd the pan.
Transfer the crispy orange doughnuts to the prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon or spider. While Crispy orange doughnuts are still warm, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Crispy orange doughnuts are best served warm.
Substitutions
- Shortening: You can use unsalted butter or any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, instead of shortening.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for this recipe, but you can use store-bought orange juice if needed. You can also substitute with other citrus juices like lemon or lime juice.
- Distilled white vinegar: If you don't have distilled white vinegar, substitute it with apple cider or white wine vinegar.
- Orange extract: You can replace the orange extract with pure vanilla or almond extract.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can use cake flour or bread flour.
- Sugar: You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Frying Oil: Peanut oil is recommended for frying these doughnuts, but you can use any neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
Variations
- Chocolate Orange Doughnuts: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough and replace ¼ cup of flour. You can also add mini chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
- Orange Glazed Doughnuts: Instead of coating the doughnuts with sugar, make a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze and cool on a wire rack.
- Orange Cream Cheese Doughnuts: Mix together ½ cup of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Fill a piping bag with the mixture and pipe it into the center of the doughnuts after they have been fried.
- Orange Cranberry Doughnuts: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and the orange zest to the dough. After the doughnuts have been fried, dust them with powdered sugar and garnish with additional cranberries and orange zest.
- Orange Cardamom Doughnuts: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough and the orange zest. After the doughnuts have been fried, dust them with powdered sugar and ground cardamom for added flavor.
How to Serve
- With Coffee or Tea: Crispy Orange Doughnuts pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the doughnuts complements the bitterness of the coffee or tea.
- With Ice Cream: Warm, Crispy Orange Doughnuts can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- With Fruit: Crispy Orange Doughnuts can be served with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—the tartness of the fruit balances out the sweetness of the doughnuts.
- At Brunch: Crispy Orange Doughnuts are a great addition to a brunch spread. Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a satisfying meal.
- At a Party: Crispy Orange Doughnuts can be served as a dessert or snack at a party or gathering. They are easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated in the oven before serving.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Storing them in a single layer or with layers separated by parchment paper is important to prevent sticking. Store the doughnuts at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for an additional day, but remember that refrigeration may slightly affect their texture.
To reheat: The best method is an oven when it comes to reheating Crispy Orange Doughnuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the doughnuts on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through. This will help restore their crispness and revive their flavors. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the doughnuts soggy.
If desired, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Enjoy the reheated Crispy Orange Doughnuts as a delightful treat any time of the day!
Make-Ahead
You can make the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. After the dough has risen and been cut into doughnuts, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen doughnuts to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To fry frozen doughnuts, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then fry them as directed in the recipe.
How to Freeze
You can freeze the doughnuts after frying them for up to 2 months. Let the doughnuts cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F, place the frozen doughnuts on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated.
Tips for Making The Best Orange Doughnuts
- Use Fresh Orange Zest and Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. The natural oils and tangy citrus flavors enhance the doughnut's taste and aroma.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Avoid overmixing when mixing the dough ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense doughnuts. Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure a tender and light texture.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for 15 to 30 minutes after kneading helps develop gluten and improves the doughnut's texture. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious final product.
- Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: When frying the doughnuts, it's crucial to maintain a consistent oil temperature. Use a deep-frying thermometer to ensure the oil is at the optimal temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This will help achieve crispy and evenly cooked doughnuts.
- Fry in Small Batches: Fry the doughnuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking and lower the oil temperature. Fry just a few doughnuts at a time to ensure they have enough space to float freely and cook evenly.
- Coat the Doughnuts while Warm: To achieve the best coating, coat the doughnuts in the sugar mixture while they are still warm. The warmth helps the sugar adhere to the doughnuts and creates a delightful sweet crust.
- Serve Fresh and Warm: Crispy Orange Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them shortly after frying for the ultimate crispiness and flavor. You can reheat them in the oven before serving to regain their warm and crispy texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the recipe suggests coating the doughnuts with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sugar blend, feel free to get creative with the toppings. For added variety and personalization, you can try powdered sugar, flavored glazes, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
FAQ
My doughnuts turned out too oily. How can I reduce oil absorption?
Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and increase oil absorption. Use a slotted spoon to remove excess oil after frying.
The sugar coating isn't sticking to my doughnuts. How can I fix this?
Toss the doughnuts in the sugar coating while they are still warm. The heat helps the sugar adhere better. You can also brush some melted butter on the doughnuts before rolling them in sugar.
Can I make this dough by hand if I don't have a stand mixer?
You can mix the dough by hand. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, make a well in the center, and add the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it by hand until it is smooth and elastic.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
You can use any neutral, high-heat oil for frying, such as vegetables, canola, or sunflower.
Can I use a different type of citrus juice or zest?
You can use lemon juice or zest, lime juice or zest, or any other type of citrus juice or zest you prefer.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
While these doughnuts are traditionally fried, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Related Recipes:
- Paraguayan Fry Bread
- Paraguayan Bollos
- Crispy Orange doughnuts
- Paraguayan Style Orange Doughnuts
- Bolinhos de Chuva -
Recipe
Easy Orange Doughnuts
Tools
Ingredients
- 660 g (5 cups) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
- 4 tablespoons shortening , such as Crisco or unsalted butter, softened or any neutral-flavored oil
- 200 ml fresh orange juice , room temperature
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange extract or pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs , room temperature
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest , no white bitter pith
For Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Peanut oil or Canola oil for frying
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar; stir to combine.
- In a liquid measuring cup, whisk the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, and orange extract until well combined. Add the shortening and gradually pour in the milk mixture and knead at medium speed until smooth and the mixture forms a ball, leaves the sides of the bowl, and climbs up the dough hook, about 5 to 10 minutes.Remove the dough from the bowl. Using your hands, form the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to oil on all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll the orange doughnuts into a log and cut about ½-inch thick pieces of dough, and roll each piece gently with your hands into a rope roughly ¼ inch thick. Shape the rope into a circle, bringing the ends together; keep in mind that they expand during the frying.
- Alternately, you can divide it into golf-sized portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to make a hole in the center of each. Next, gently stretch the balls to an oval ring. Continue the same process with the remaining dough. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the rolled-out dough. The dough must stay moist. Set up a paper towel-lined sheet tray to place the crispy orange doughnuts when they come out of the oil.
- Make the Coating: In a small bowl, add the sugar to coat crispy orange doughnuts. Heat 3 to 4 inches of oil in a straight-sided heavy saucepan until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Fry the crispy orange doughnuts just a few at a time for 2 minutes on each side until puffy and golden brown.You can fry two or more Crispy orange doughnuts at a time; just don't overcrowd the pan.
- Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the crispy orange doughnuts to the prepared baking sheet.While Crispy orange doughnuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.crispy orange doughnuts are best served warm.
Notes
- To store: Allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Storing them in a single layer or with layers separated by parchment paper is important to prevent sticking. Store the doughnuts at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for an additional day, but remember that refrigeration may slightly affect their texture.
- To reheat: When it comes to reheating Crispy Orange Doughnuts, the best method is an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the doughnuts on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through. This will help restore their crispness and revive their flavors. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the doughnuts soggy.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.