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Spiderweb Donuts

Spiderweb donuts are playful fried treats crafted from a soft yeast dough, shaped into round donuts and decorated with intricate web patterns made from piping sugar threads. The use of yeast creates a light, airy interior, while frying gives them a crispy exterior. Their web design makes them a charming, edible art piece perfect for impressing guests or adding fun to any occasion.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm milk about 110°F/43°C
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus extra for frying
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for web decoration
  • 1 tablespoon water for making piping sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, for consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Piping bag with fine round tip
  • Cooling rack
  • Kitchen thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly, signaling active fermentation.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil.
  3. Mix everything together until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 180°C (356°F). Carefully fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  7. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on a cooling rack. Repeat until all donuts are fried and cooled slightly.
  8. Prepare the web piping sugar by mixing powdered sugar with water and lemon juice until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve a piping consistency.
  9. Fill a piping bag fitted with a fine round tip with the piping sugar. Pipe delicate web patterns onto each donut, starting from the center and working outward in concentric circles, then add radiating lines to mimic a spiderweb.
  10. Allow the web decoration to set for a few minutes until firm. Serve the donuts fresh, showcasing their intricate web designs.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before piping the web for added contrast and detail.